Publication

Abstract :

Healthcare industry is adopting various technological advancement and electronic prescribing is one such invention which has a potential to revolutionize the healthcare delivery by facilitating enhanced efficiency, improved patient safety, and reduced medication errors. The uptake of e-prescription system is getting accelerated globally, and the attitudes of physicians do have a profound influence in the successful implementation of the system too. As in every other part of the world, the state of Kerala is also facing its own challenges and barriers in the adoption of e-prescription system. Hence, the objective of the study is to evaluate the attitude of physicians toward electronic prescriptions in Kerala, focusing on significant factors influencing their acceptance and use. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to conduct this quantitative cross-sectional survey among 136 physicians were selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling across the state. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to understand the causal relationship between the identified variables. From the study, the perceived benefit of the e-prescription is identified as the most influential factor regarding the intention to use. Furthermore, it reveals that organizational factors have a positive effect on usage behavior. And organizational factors, perceived risks, and computer proficiency also do impacts actual use of the system. Findings of the study can help healthcare administrators and technology developers to promote the widespread adoption of electronic prescriptions, thereby improving patient safety and enhanced healthcare outcomes in Kerala.