Electronic Prescribing Platforms in Saudi Arabia: A Study on Family Physicians' Experiences

Researchers conducted a study to evaluate the perspectives, usage patterns, and perceived impacts of the electronic prescribing platform, Wasfaty, adopted by family physicians in primary healthcare centers in Hail region, Saudi Arabia. The study involved 12 licensed family physicians who participated in online semi-structured interviews from March to September 2024. The findings revealed that the registration process was straightforward, and the usability and simplicity of the platform were positive. The study also showed that the platform improved the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and reliability of clinical documentation, reduced medication errors, and eliminated drug-drug interactions.

Key Takeaways:

• The electronic prescribing platform, Wasfaty, has been adopted by family physicians in primary healthcare centers in Hail region, Saudi Arabia.
• The registration process for family physicians to the portal was straightforward and easy to use.
• The platform improved the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and reliability of clinical documentation.
• The platform reduced medication errors and eliminated drug-drug interactions.
• Family physicians preferred to be continuously updated about new information and features, suggesting the incorporation of artificial intelligence into the portal.
• The overall experience of family physicians with the platform was positive, with optimistic perspectives toward its digital transformation.
• The study recommended further research to expand the adoption of ePrescribing services in all Saudi healthcare centers and to improve the user experience with the electronic prescribing service worldwide.
• The research involved 12 licensed family physicians who participated in online semi-structured interviews from March to September 2024.

Statistics:

• 12 licensed family physicians participated in the study.
• The study was conducted from March to September 2024.
• 69 licensed family physicians work in different primary healthcare centers at Hail region.
• 5 key themes were identified through a comprehensive literature search and consensus among researchers: registration and adoption, quality of clinical documentation, patient safety, perspectives, and recommendation.
• 12 online semi-structured interviews were conducted with family physicians.

Sources:

• Exploring family physicians' experiences with electronic prescribing platforms in primary healthcare centers in Hail, Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research, 2025;25(1):1082.
• Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England (BioMed Central - www.biomedcentral.com/; BMC Health Services Research - www.biomedcentral.com/bmchealthservres/)
• NewsRx. Reports from University of Hail Advance Knowledge in Health Services (Exploring family physicians' experiences with electronic prescribing platforms in primary healthcare centers in Hail, Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study). Health & Medicine Week. August 29, 2025; p 474.