Abstract:

Background: Electronic management system is a software that stores organize and manages documents in the form of electronic files in a health facility. Despite the benefits the electronic system has over the traditional way, the quality of services expected after implementation of the electronic system has not been achieved. The system has some defects that led to other challenges that should be addressed in order to improve hospital pharmacy services. The objective of this study is to determine the challenges associated with the use of electronic system in carrying out hospital pharmacy related activities.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study, was conducted in public hospitals found in ilemela and nyamagana, whereby data from 86 pharmacy department staff in these hospitals was collected from 20th April to 27th May, 2023.

Result: The common reported e-prescription errors were wrong duration of therapy 40(46.5%), wrong dosing direction 39(45.3%) and wrong dose strength 30(34.9%). In patient billing process 57(66.3%) have experienced system price fluctuation, Mismatch of information between hardcopy prescription and the system 28(32.6%). In inventory management the common challenge was system delay while discrepancy was reported by 29.1%, delayed notification for expired items 44.1%.

Conclusion: The electronic pharmacy management system has shown promising results in reducing challenges and errors which were common with the manual way pharmacy management. However, there is a need for reviewing the system used in Mwanza public hospitals so that the reported challenges can be well addressed to improve both pharmacy performance and improve patient outcomes by providing good pharmaceutical services in these facilities.