The German Federal Association of Pharmacist Associations (ABDA) has identified gaps in medication oversight within the framework of the electronic patient record (ePA) system. While acknowledging the ePA’s potential as a cornerstone for secure medication management, ABDA highlights a persistent challenge related to prescriptions issued on paper.
According to ABDA President Thomas Preis, speaking to the “Rheinische Post” the automatic incorporation of electronic prescriptions into the ePA is a positive step. However, a significant portion – approximately 20 percent – of medications are still being prescribed using traditional paper-based methods. This presents a barrier to a complete and comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s medication history.
Currently, pharmacies are manually adding paper-based prescriptions to the ePA system. However, this process lacks technical integration and requires urgent modification to ensure that over-the-counter medications also become part of the digital record.
ABDA emphasizes the ongoing preparedness of pharmacies, with over 90 percent slated to be technically equipped to utilize the ePA system by October 1, 2025. The association is advocating for improvements to the system that will bridge the gap created by paper prescriptions, ultimately enhancing patient safety and optimizing medication management.
