Development of a web-based pharmaceutical care plan to facilitate collaboration between healthcare providers and patients

• Main Authors: Marlies ME Geurts, Martijn Ivens, Egbert van Gelder, Johan J de Gier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT 2014-02-01
• Series: Journal of Innovation in Health Informatics
• Subjects: Communication; computerised medical records systems; personal health records; software design
• Online Access: http://hijournal.bcs.org/index.php/jhi/article/view/40

<p><strong>Background</strong> To facilitate collaboration between different healthcare providers and to exchange patient data we developed a paper-based tool, which also enabled to plan interventions and follow-up activities: the PCP. Interviews with participating healthcare providers concluded the PCP was a very useful tool to collect and share patient data. A disadvantage was the time spent to collect all information. We therefore developed our PCP into a web-based tool: the web-based PCP (W-PCP).</p><p><strong>Objectives</strong> Development of a W-PCP to (1) provide healthcare providers with information from pharmacist- and GP computer systems and (2) facilitate collaboration between healthcare providers and patients.</p><p><strong>Method</strong> The W-PCP was used in three research lines, two in primary care and one in a hospital setting. Outcomes measures were defined as satisfaction about efficiency and effectiveness during data sharing and documentation in providing care and conducting medication reviews using the W-PCP.</p><p>First experiences concerning the use of W-PCP in a primary care setting were collected by a questionnaire and interviews with pharmacists and GPs using the W-PCP.</p><p><strong>Results</strong> A questionnaire was sent to 38 healthcare providers. 17 healthcare providers returned the questionnaire. The use of W-PCP resulted in positive experiences from participating healthcare providers. On the basis of experiences and requirements collected, the application will be further developed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong> The W-PCP application can potentially support successful collaboration between different healthcare providers and patients, which is important for medication therapy management. With this application, a successful collaboration between different healthcare providers and patients could be achieved.</p>