IMPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OF SERBIA - PATIENTS'ATTITUDES ABOUT E-PRESCRIPTION

Abstract

The rapid development and great adaptability of information technologies (IT) have enabled a qualitative and quantitative upgrade of health services and health systems (HS) as a whole. The aim of this paper is to present the attitudes of respondents-users of primary health care services (PHC) regarding the introduction of electronic prescription (e-prescription). Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted using a purpose-built questionnaire; The questionnaire contains demographic indicators, questions about the habits and attitudes of respondents towards health, health professionals and the application of IT in health care: respondents answered questions about the waiting time for PHC service, time spent in communication /consultation with health care workers, the efficiency of taking pharmacotherapy using an e-prescription, and the attitude towards the implementation of IT in HS. Completion of the questionnaire was anonymous and voluntary. All respondents gave informed consent to participate in the research. Results of the study: 79.59% of respondents stated that with the introduction of e-prescription, waiting time in health care facilities were shortened; 57.10% state that the time of communication with the health worker was extended, which had a positive effect on the commitment of health workers (65.89%), while the attitude towards improving efficiency was divided. Nevertheless, 93.80% of respondents support the implementation of IT in HS. Conclusion: The introduction of e-prescription in PHC in the Republic of Serbia represents a major step towards the modernization of HS, whose advantages patients recognize and support their further development.