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Initial Assessment of an Internet‐Based Medication Record
Author(s) -
Calabretto JeanPierre,
Warren Jim
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2005.tb00315.x
Subject(s) - medicine , usability , the internet , pharmacist , cabinet (room) , pharmacy , internet privacy , family medicine , world wide web , archaeology , human–computer interaction , computer science , history
Aim To assess the usability of an Internet‐based medication record designed to enhance communication between patients and community pharmacists following discharge from hospital. Method A secure, Internet‐based ‘medicine cabinet’ to record consumers' medicines and related issues was developed. It was shared by consumers and community pharmacists under the control of the consumer. Opinions were sought via questionnaire from participating consumers and pharmacists. Results A pilot ran from December 2001 to August 2003 and responses of 8 families and 6 pharmacists were evaluated. In general, consumers considered the virtual medicine cabinet to be of value and easy to use although it was not often used. Half the group indicated that they would continue to use the system. Pharmacists similarly thought the concept useful, although usage was low. Technology issues, particularly with smartcards, caused problems for both groups. Conclusion Many participants found the virtual medicine cabinet useful, and most thought that the concept had worth. This pilot did not identify any stimulation of consumer‐pharmacist communication.