Promoting E-prescribing Project

WORK PLAN

April 7, 2004

 

Objective

 

To accelerate the adoption of E-prescribing by establishing guiding principles and applying them to the various ongoing initiatives so that an “ideal” E-prescribing model can be recognized and promoted.

 

Summary

 

This project will involve a two-tiered effort to accelerate the adoption of E-prescribing.   An initial phase of research and discussion will yield a set of guiding principles that can be used to establish a standard for future E-prescribing efforts.  Ongoing E-prescribing initiatives will then be identified and compared - to each other and, more broadly, to the guiding principles.  A sub group of coalition members and external organizations will develop the parameters of an E-prescribing “ideal,” and vet the final model with the coalition.  NCL will then coordinate a media campaign to publicize the recommendation of the coalition, and educate health care consumers about the issue.

Point person for this project is Will Lang, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

 

Steps

 

  1. Conduct a preliminary review of electronic health initiatives that involve an E-prescribing component. 
    1. Research initiatives via web and through direct consultation with knowledgeable parties (e.g., AACP)
    2. Determine how various E-prescribing efforts are being implemented (i.e., learn how the systems work, who is affected, and how)
    3. Based on this information, develop a set of guiding principles that would determine the selection and implementation of an E-prescribing model.
  2. Convene a sub-group of coalition members and other interested parties including Will Lang (point person), including  DOD, VA, ASCP, ASHP, Massachusetts Coalition for the Prevention of Medical Errors, AHRQ and Express Scripts.
    1. Present and discuss general parameters of E-prescribing initiatives based on preliminary research.
    2. Vet guiding principles, and consider revisions as necessary.
  3. Develop a more comprehensive list of E-prescribing initiatives for inclusion in a side-by-side comparison.
    1. Conduct a second review of relevant sources and prepare a more comprehensive list of the different E-prescribing initiatives that currently exist. 
    2. Frame these initiatives in a side-by-side comparison to look at how the initiatives impact doctors, benefit managers, consumers, and any other relevant parties.  
    3. Reconvene sub-committee to weigh each of the initiatives against the guiding principles developed, and identify an “ideal” E-prescribing model.

 

  1. Present the methods and resulting E-prescribing model to the full coalition. 
    1. Obtain buy-in from the coalition to support and promote this as the “ideal” E-prescribing model
    2. Review outreach and promotion strategies.

. 

  1. Develop proposal for AHRQ small conference grant to facilitate dissemination of the coalition’s findings and recommendations with regard to E-prescribing.
  2. Hold conference on the E-prescribing initiative and use the event as a launching point for the broader campaign.
  3. Develop and implement stakeholder (includes consumer and prescriber) education campaign.

 

 

Timeline

Jan – March 2004: Identify attendees for the sub-group meeting; establish time and date for meeting; conduct preliminary review of E-prescribing initiatives and prepare an initial list; develop draft of guiding principles for E-prescribing.

 

April – June 2004: Convene sub-committee meeting (maybe as part of full coalition meeting on the 7th) and vet guiding principles; revise principles document as necessary; conduct further research on E-prescribing initiatives; develop complete side-by-side comparison of all initiatives.

 

July – September 2004: Re-convene sub-committee (plus additionalinclude experts external to the coalition) to evaluate comparison of E-prescribing initiatives relative to the pre-selected guiding principles; select components for the “ideal” E-prescribing model; develop proposal for AHRQ small conference to be held in 2005.

 

October – December 2004: submit AHRQ grant proposal; plan conference; begin development of stakeholder education campaign.

 

Budget

SOS Rx has initial funding from Express Scripts to host expert meeting(s), conduct focus groups, and perform initial stakeholder education and outreach.  Additional funds will be needed to take this Working Group’s plans any furthersought to advance the selected strategy for promoting E-prescribing.