What to do if the e-prescription is incorrect?
A development in the field of digital healthcare has brought numerous new opportunities for patient care. Technological innovations have radically changed the daily work of doctors and pharmacists. The introduction of electronic prescriptions, or e-prescriptions, offers significant advantages for patients, as they provide a faster, more convenient, and environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional paper prescriptions. The e-prescription system not only facilitates the ordering of medications but also simplifies their dispensation, making life easier for patients.
However, modern healthcare solutions are not without the potential for errors. The question arises as to who can be held accountable if a patient receives the wrong medication due to incorrect data? Is it the doctor, the pharmacist, or perhaps the cloud service provider operating the digital system? The purpose of this article is to explore the accountability issues within the e-prescription system.
The Concept and Operation of E-Prescriptions
An e-prescription is an electronic document that allows a doctor to prescribe medications for a patient. The system aims to reduce paper-based administration and simplify the dispensation of medications. The e-prescription operates as part of digital health services, which encompass various aspects of patient care, including the management of referrals and test results.
To create an e-prescription, the doctor must accurately specify the patient’s diagnosis, the name of the medication, the dosage, and the date of the prescription. It is also mandatory to include the patient’s TAJ number or, in the case of those eligible for public health assistance, the number of their public health assistance card. The electronic system makes it easier for patients to quickly and simply access e-prescriptions, as they can do so using their TAJ identifier.
During the dispensation of the e-prescription, the patient does not need to log in to the cloud system, but they can view the medications already prescribed in their personal account. The advantages of the digital solution also include reduced waiting times, as paper-based administration gradually disappears. Additionally, the use of the e-prescription system brings significant environmental benefits by reducing paper usage.
Distribution of Responsibility Between Doctors and Pharmacists
The e-prescription system is not free from accountability issues. If a patient receives the wrong medication, the distribution of responsibility can be complex. The doctor who issues the prescription is required to include necessary data such as the name of the medication, the dosage, and the patient’s TAJ number. If the accurate details of the medication are incorrectly recorded, it is the doctor’s responsibility to ensure that such errors do not occur.
Dr. Gréta Bujdosó, a lawyer at KNP LAW, stated that the doctor has both criminal and civil liability. Criminal liability arises if the incorrect prescription endangers the patient’s health, while civil liability falls on the institution that is obliged to compensate the patient. Therefore, it is crucial for doctors to act accurately and responsibly when issuing prescriptions.
The pharmacist is also responsible for dispensing medications. Pharmacies must verify the contents of the prescription, and if the exact dosage of the medication is unclear, they cannot dispense it to the patient. Thus, the pharmacist’s responsibility extends not only to checking the prescription but also to ensuring the safety of the patient. If the pharmacist fails to perform the necessary checks and, as a result, the patient receives the wrong medication, their responsibility also comes into question.
Technical Errors and Responsibility
With the introduction of digital systems, new challenges also emerge. Technical errors may occur during the operation of the cloud, which can affect the dispensation of medications. If the EESZT is unavailable, the pharmacist can still dispense medication based on the prescription issuance confirmation. Therefore, it is important for pharmacists to be aware of the legal framework and the correct procedures.
If a problem arises within the pharmacy’s interest, such as the incorrect dispensing of medication, the patient is entitled to return the medication based on the purchase receipt. Pharmacies are obliged to accept the return of incorrectly dispensed medications in accordance with legal regulations.
Overall, human involvement remains essential in the field of digital healthcare. Doctors and pharmacists must act responsibly to ensure that patients are safe and receive the correct medications. The distribution of responsibility is complex, but it is essential for maintaining the quality of patient care.
