Enhancing Access to Medicines through Cross-border ePrescriptions

The introduction of cross-border electronic prescriptions (ePrescriptions) within Europe is increasingly viewed as a significant advancement in improving medication accessibility for patients. Since its initial implementation in Estonia and Finland in 2019, this system allows patients to obtain medicines across borders with greater ease, thereby reducing barriers related to geographical and administrative boundaries.

A recent study published in the journal Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy highlights the positive perceptions among pharmacists in Estonia and Finland regarding this innovative system. Pharmacists recognize that cross-border ePrescriptions mainly facilitate better access to medicines, which is considered the most valuable benefit. The study involved an online survey conducted in spring 2021, with responses from 238 pharmacists out of 664 invited, reflecting the growing adoption of this practice.

Findings indicate that most pharmacists have not encountered issues with patient identification or data privacy during the dispensing process, with a large majority considering the system secure for personal data. However, challenges remain, primarily related to the rigidity of pharmacy dispensing software and language barriers, which complicate patient counseling and medication management. Differences in prescribing practices and medication availability across countries also pose hurdles.

Language barriers particularly affect communication, as dosage instructions are often provided only in the patient's native language, making counseling more difficult. Additionally, monitoring drug interactions becomes more complex when pharmacists lack comprehensive access to all of a patient's medication information.

Cross-border ePrescriptions have been facilitated across several European countries, allowing Finnish patients to purchase medicines from pharmacies in Estonia, Croatia, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, and Spain, provided their prescriptions meet certain criteria. Similarly, Estonian patients can obtain medicines from pharmacies in Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Greece, and other countries. This system requires the patient to visit the pharmacy in person and present a valid ID to complete the purchase. Certain medications like narcotics, psychotropics, and medicines without authorization are excluded from cross-border prescribing.

Despite the promising benefits, addressing existing challenges—such as software limitations and language disparities—is essential for the system's broader adoption and improved safety. Enhanced monitoring tools for drug interactions and better translation support are crucial steps toward seamless integration.

Overall, cross-border ePrescriptions are poised to transform medication access within Europe, making it more flexible and patient-centered while emphasizing the importance of resolving operational and linguistic barriers for optimal safety and efficiency.

For more detailed insights, refer to the study by Reelika Jõgi et al. titled "Prescribing beyond borders: Navigating challenges and opportunities in cross-border ePrescriptions for enhanced medication access and safety."