Abstract
AIMS: To assess the current situation of the inspection validation of prescriptions (IVP) in Spain since the introduction of the electronic procedure (EP) from the healthcare professionals' perspective. DESIGN: Observational, cross sectional study, in two phases; combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. SETTING: Primary Care (PC), Secondary Care (SC) and the health care management sector. PARTICIPANTS: Primary care physicians (PCPs), endocrinologists, medical inspectors, pharmacists and health Authorities of Autonomous Communities (AACC). METHOD: Semi-structured surveys and Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. RESULTS: The IVP presents three modalities in Spain: manual, electronics and electronics linked to electronic prescription. The participants of the same level of management perceive in a similar way the purpose of the IVP, and there exist differences between the different levels of interviewed managers. Differences exist in the situation of EP between AACC. It is more implemented in primary care (PC) than in specialized (63% vs 37%), with similar degree in urban and rural areas. Six of 17 AACC presented a public access to the corresponding legislation. CONCLUSION: The IVP is perceived as a tool for the economic control in expenditure on drugs and as additional administrative load in PC. The rhythm of implementation of EP differs between AACC as well as the access to the regulation.