1.

Research Background
The government of Canada initiated the e-prescription service funds in 2016. Canada Health
Infoway is working collaboratively with Health Canada. The goal is to establish PrescribeIT, an
e-prescribing service (Budget 2016: Chapter 5 - An Inclusive and Fair Canada, 2021) . Infoway is
responsible for the creation, maintenance, and operation of this service along with the
stakeholders. It will help the prescribers for electronic transmission of a prescription from an
electronic medical record to the patient’s preferred pharmacy’s management system
1.1 Aim of the research
This research is aimed to evaluate and assess the implementation and the adoption of e-
prescription practices in the Canadian Health Environment. This research is assessing the
suitability and adoption scale of this service concerning the Canadian Health Environment.
1.2 Research Question
What is the impact of E-prescription service in the Canadian Health Environment?

2. Data Collection
The data collection for this purpose is based on the literature review and observations of the
Canadian Health environment. The procedures and Infoway’s work are also analyzed to gather
information regarding the research topic. Relevant literature is studied to understand the impact
of engaging IT in the healthcare environment of Canada. Different journals and studies are
accessed through google scholar and Deakin University Library, respectively.
2.1 Data analysis method
According to the given research topic, the SWOT analysis of the data gathered and the service
plan will understand the effect of e-prescription in Canada’s Healthy Environment.

3. Discussion and Literature Review

E-health services are implemented to allow the citizens to avail more efficient treatment
procedures and foster more business opportunities. It focuses on improving healthcare
procedures and making them more efficient by utilizing technology where necessary
(Interoperable eHealth is worth it. Securing benefits from Electronic Health Records and e-
Prescribing, 2010).
Furthermore, European countries have initiated the steps to develop an IT infrastructure for
health information networks. Not all, but some of the nations, namely Sweden, Estonia,
Denmark, etc., had a successful campaign by having a proper infrastructure for e-health services.
(E-prescription across Europe, 2013.
Health Canada was responsible for giving a green-light for amendments to the Food and Drugs
Regulations (Part C). This regulation was made under the Food & Drugs Act. According to
Health Canada, there are no such restrictions that will not allow moving forward with the
implementation of e-prescription services in the Canadian Healthcare environment unless that
the service achieves all the objectives of the written medical prescriptions. Health Canada is

1
working with Canada Health Infoway to develop such services and ensure the security measures
and authenticity of e-signatures (Policy Statement on E-prescribing - Health Canada, 2021) .

4. SWOT Analysis
4.1 Strengths
 Full insight into a patient’s history of prescriptions.
 The system can prompt alerts for potential allergies.
 Low chances of drug errors. For example, Two medicines can sound nearly the same but
have different reasons for use.
 Convenience for patients.
 Controlled substances can be prescribed easily.
 Prescriptions can be monitored effectively.
 Tracking of prescription fulfillment becomes easy.
 No chance of losing a prescription as the prescription will be on electronic records.
 Prescription refills will be less time-consuming, and the staff can do the refill more
efficiently.
 Less wastage of time for pharmacy employees in the verification of the prescription.
 Better safety of the patient
4.2 Weaknesses
 Time-consuming if prescriptions have inaccuracies.
 The software may malfunction or may contain bugs.
 Increased costs, as compared with written prescriptions.
 Increased chances of a cyberattack.
 Unintended consequences.

4.3 Opportunities
 More business opportunities.
 Efficient treatment procedures.
 Better IT infrastructure in the Canada Health environment.
 It helps in fostering more jobs.
 Opportunity to improve healthcare and patient’s satisfaction and comfort rate.

2
 4.4 Threats
 Wrong prescription errors.
 Due to auto-populated information, there is a high chance of incorrect directions or
conflicting information.
 Any transcription error can cause incorrect information in the pharmacy database.
 There is a probability of dispensing errors, i.e., dispensing of medications that are
discontinued.

Conclusion
The conducted research proves that E-prescription is a modern and practical approach to
implementing and adopting IT in healthcare procedures. However, Canada Health has to
consider the risks involved in implementing the local health departments’ service. It is efficient
for the pharmaceutical staff and patients and is less time-consuming. It also ensured the security
of prescriptions and proper records. However, Canada Health and Canada Health Infoway must
ensure that all the risk factors are eliminated.

3
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