title: A theoretical approach to electronic prescription system: lesson learned from literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The tendency to use advanced technology in healthcare and the governmental policies have put forward electronic prescription. Electronic prescription is considered as the main solution to overcome the major drawbacks of the paper-based medication prescription, such as transcription errors. This study aims to provide practical information concerning electronic prescription system to a variety of stakeholders.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review study, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE databases, Iranian National Library Of Medicine (INLM) portal, Google Scholar, Google and Yahoo were searched for relevant English publications concerning the problems of paper-based prescription, and concept, features, levels, benefits, stakeholders and standards of electronic prescription system.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are many problems with the paper prescription system which, according to studies have jeopardized patients' safety and negatively affected the outcomes of medication therapy. All of these problems are remedied through the implementation of e-prescriptions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sophistication of electronic prescription and integration with EHR will become a reality, if all its stakeholders collaborate in developing fast and secure electronic prescription systems. It is plausible that the required infrastructure should be provided for implementation of the national integrated electronic prescription systems in countries without the system. Given the barriers to the implementation and use, policymakers should consider multiple strategies and offer incentives to encourage e-prescription initiatives. This will result in widespread adoption of the system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Information Management, Institute of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran ; Department of Health Information Technology, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khoramabad, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Mahnaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Samadbeik
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Information Management, Institute of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Informatics. Institute of Advanced Medical Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Masoud
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hosseini Asanjan
keywords: Electronic Prescribing; Standards; Utilization