Abstract
In this study, a questionnaire survey was performed targeting community pharmacies to investigate of the current status of patient information transfer with medical institutions and participation in a regional healthcare information network (NW). The factors related to these activities were then analyzed. Of the 159 pharmacies that responded to the survey, only 14 participated in an NW, which was a low participation rate. The results showed that the number of home patients and the number of medical institutions with which patient information was exchanged were significantly higher in pharmacies participating in the NW program than in those not participating, and regression analysis showed that these were relevant factors for NW participation. In addition, under the assumption of no cost-sharing, the inconvenience of information transfer was related to the intention to participate in an NW. Conversely, a certain number of respondents were reluctant to participate in the NW. The aforementioned factors were related to the “Vision for Patient-Centered Pharmacies” and to assuming an active role in community-based integrated care systems, suggesting that pharmacy participation in NWs is likely to contribute to the improvement of pharmacy functions. Furthermore, clarifying the cost-effectiveness of NWs appears to be important to increase pharmacies’ participation in NWs.
