Software to help older doctors with digital prescriptions
Belgium’s health minister has announced a simplified software to help less computer-savvy doctors with the transition to electronic prescribing
Lost in Paris
Starting next year, all doctors in Belgium will be required to write out electronic prescriptions, and patients will no longer receive prescriptions on paper. Once the doctor uploads the prescription, the pharmacist will be able to access all the information with the use of the patient’s electronic identity card.
Less computer-savvy older doctors, however, say the existing software for writing electronic prescriptions is too difficult to use. It’s also been criticised for being too expensive for doctors who only rarely write out prescriptions.
Another complaint is that digital prescriptions are based on electronic medical files and not all care providers have access to them.
In response, De Block (pictured) has announced a simpler, cost-free alternative. She said the new software, called Paris, will be useful to older doctors and other professionals, including dentists and midwives.
The software is expected to launch in October. It will be available for laptops and desktop computers and, at a later date, tablets and smartphones.
Photo courtesy deblock.belgium.be
