When implemented well, electronic prescribing improves the quality and consistency of medication management, medication safety, patient satisfaction, and operational efficiency in both outpatient clinics and pharmacies. In Fall 2008, SNI was awarded a grant for 1.5 million dollars over 22 months from the Blue Shield of California Foundation to pilot electronic prescribing. Four public hospitals are participating, with two outpatient clinics involved at each site. Prescriptions will be filled by public hospital-based pharmacies and/or commercial pharmacies in the community. Public hospitals are helping to lead the way for fuller adoption of e-Prescribing in California, which currently ranks 22nd in the U.S. in the percentage of total prescriptions transmitted electronically.
Contact: Mary Gregory