An appraisal of electronic prescription systems in reducing medication errors: A study of hospitals in Katsina State.
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Background of the Study
Electronic prescription (e-prescribing) systems are rapidly gaining prominence in healthcare, particularly in the reduction of medication errors, which remain a significant concern in healthcare systems globally. Medication errors, whether due to misinterpretation of handwriting, incorrect drug dispensation, or failure in communication, are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in healthcare settings (Bates et al., 2023). The introduction of e-prescribing is expected to mitigate such errors by providing legible, accurate prescriptions and enhancing communication between healthcare professionals and patients (Ehrhardt et al., 2024).
In Katsina State, as in many regions across Nigeria, the healthcare system faces challenges related to inefficiencies in prescription management, often exacerbated by manual systems. Despite the promising benefits of electronic prescription systems, their adoption and implementation in many Nigerian hospitals, including those in Katsina, remain limited or incomplete (Alamu et al., 2023). As a result, the occurrence of medication errors, including wrong prescriptions, incorrect dosages, and inadequate monitoring of drug interactions, continues to affect patient safety and overall healthcare quality (Ogunyemi et al., 2025).
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of electronic prescription systems in reducing medication errors within hospitals in Katsina State. By examining the integration of technology into the prescription process, the study will explore both the advantages and challenges faced by healthcare providers in adopting these systems, as well as their potential impact on reducing medication-related incidents.
Statement of the Problem
Medication errors are a critical issue in healthcare, significantly contributing to adverse patient outcomes. In Katsina State, hospitals continue to face challenges in reducing such errors, despite the potential advantages offered by e-prescription systems. Many healthcare facilities in the state still rely on paper-based prescriptions, which are prone to errors such as illegible handwriting, incorrect dosage instructions, and the miscommunication of medical orders between healthcare professionals (Bates et al., 2023). As the healthcare sector in Katsina strives for improved patient safety and better quality of care, it becomes increasingly important to examine the role of e-prescribing systems in mitigating these errors. However, there is a lack of empirical research on how these systems specifically impact medication errors in hospitals within the region. This gap presents a need for a thorough evaluation of the current state of e-prescribing implementation and its effectiveness in improving medication safety.
Objectives of the Study
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To evaluate the effectiveness of electronic prescription systems in reducing medication errors in hospitals in Katsina State.
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To identify the barriers and challenges faced by healthcare institutions in Katsina State in implementing e-prescribing systems.
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To assess the impact of e-prescribing on the overall quality of patient care in hospitals in Katsina State.
Research Questions
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How effective are electronic prescription systems in reducing medication errors in hospitals in Katsina State?
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What are the barriers to the implementation of electronic prescription systems in healthcare institutions in Katsina State?
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How does the implementation of e-prescribing systems impact the overall quality of patient care in hospitals in Katsina State?
Research Hypotheses
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H₀: Electronic prescription systems do not significantly reduce medication errors in hospitals in Katsina State. H₁: Electronic prescription systems significantly reduce medication errors in hospitals in Katsina State.
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H₀: There are no significant barriers to the implementation of electronic prescription systems in healthcare institutions in Katsina State. H₁: There are significant barriers to the implementation of electronic prescription systems in healthcare institutions in Katsina State.
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H₀: The implementation of e-prescribing systems does not significantly impact the quality of patient care in hospitals in Katsina State. H₁: The implementation of e-prescribing systems significantly improves the quality of patient care in hospitals in Katsina State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on hospitals in Katsina State, Nigeria, that have adopted electronic prescription systems. The research will assess the effectiveness of these systems in reducing medication errors, as well as the barriers and challenges faced in their implementation. The scope of the study will be limited to the healthcare institutions within Katsina State, excluding those in other regions of Nigeria. A potential limitation of the study may be the availability of comprehensive data on medication errors, as some hospitals may be reluctant to share such sensitive information. Additionally, the study may be constrained by the varying levels of technological adoption across the hospitals in the region.
Definitions of Terms
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Electronic Prescription (e-prescribing): A digital method for healthcare providers to generate and send prescriptions to pharmacies, replacing paper-based prescriptions to reduce errors associated with handwriting and miscommunication.
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Medication Errors: Mistakes made in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication that can lead to patient harm.
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Patient Safety: The prevention of errors and adverse effects associated with healthcare delivery.
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Hospital Management: The process of overseeing the operation of a hospital, including administration, staff management, and implementation of healthcare policies and systems.
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