E Prescription Systems with Medication Continuity in Primary Care Practices: Survey Analysis

Abstract

Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems have become an essential pillar of modern clinical practice, replacing paper-based ordering workflows with digital transmission pathways to improve patient safety, reduce medication errors, and streamline clinical operations. While the adoption of electronic prescribing has expanded rapidly, its direct influence on long-term medication continuity and clinical adherence in primary care practices remains highly complex and variable. This study conducts a comprehensive survey analysis of primary care practitioners to examine how specific e-prescription system features, usability profiles, and inter-organizational communication capabilities correlate with medication continuity. Surveying physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and administrative staff across diverse primary care settings, we evaluate the implementation and utilization rates of core digital prescribing functions. The findings indicate that while basic transmission capabilities are nearly universal, substantial barriers exist regarding system interoperability, formulary verification accuracy, and clinical alert fatigue. Multivariate regression analysis shows that features such as automated electronic refill authorization and secure bidirectional messaging with retail pharmacies are significant positive predictors of reported medication continuity. Conversely, poorly calibrated clinical decision support alerts frequently lead to alert overrides, undermining the safety advantages of electronic platforms. The study concludes with practical recommendations for software vendors, clinical administrators, and policymakers to optimize system usability, reduce cognitive burden, and establish robust, closed-loop communications that support sustained patient adherence and continuity of care.