You’re with a patient. After discussing treatment options, you settle on a plan of action. The patient, eager to get started, asks when their prescription will be sent to the pharmacy.
If you are one of the many doctors using a mobile app as your primary prescribing tool, you may hesitate before pulling out your phone in the presence of your patient. Why is that?
If you’ve already concluded that mobile prescribing best fits your needs, you might have other concerns—ones that can be easily addressed:
- For medication history, even if your prescribing app is not integrated with your EHR, your prescriptions will automatically flow into your existing medication history feed.
- For infection control, following best practices for hand hygiene, including cleaning and disinfecting phones, mitigates risks.
Yet, there may be something else on your mind.
After all, doctors have been hearing for years that using computers in the exam room to update the electronic health record (EHR) system is often viewed negatively by patients and disrupts the doctor-patient relationship.
However, a recent study published by Intelligence-Based Medicine found that although patients’ perceptions of care were negatively affected by the doctor’s use of the EHR in the exam room, using less obtrusive tech—such as a mobile phone—was perceived much more favorably.
Mobile Prescribing: A Tool for Today’s Provider
Since the widespread adoption of EHR systems over the last 15 years, technology in the exam room has moved far beyond desktop computers. Phones, tablets, and laptops are now routine in patient care. But how do these devices affect the patient’s experience?
We asked 15 healthcare providers to share their views on mobile prescribing during patient encounters. Their feedback revealed a spectrum of opinions—ranging from enthusiastic support to caution and hesitation.
In the Exam Room: Mixed Perceptions
Providers have mixed opinions about using mobile devices during patient encounters. Some, like Jaclyn Garlich, O.D., F.A.A.O, find mobile prescribing smooth, efficient, and collaborative. She uses her mobile device during appointments to quickly set up and send prescriptions, adding that it’s fast, simple, and doesn’t feel awkward.
Others take a more cautious approach. They worry that using a mobile phone during a healthcare visit might feel impersonal and impair their relationship with the patient, even if it improves workflow.
An orthopedic PA-C in Connecticut shared, “I feel that pulling my phone out in front of patients, especially older patients, has a little bit of a negative connotation.”
However, an adult care nurse practitioner in Texas sees no issue. “I use it in front of patients, and they don’t seem concerned. I can say, right in front of them, ‘We’ll take care of this now,’ and boom. It’s done.”
At the Front Desk: Different Expectations
Many providers rely on their front desk team to prepare some prescriptions for their approval.
For example, Dorothy Chao, D.D.S, explained that her front office staff handles much of her prescription entry to save her time. “If I had to populate all the fields every single time, it would be too much.”
When it comes to using a mobile prescribing app, however, several noted that the setting matters. At the front desk, using a mobile phone can be misinterpreted by patients, who may assume staff are texting or distracted.
For this reason, some practices prefer that front desk staff use desktops or tablets for this work.
Why Mobile Prescribing Matters
Despite some concerns, there are real benefits to mobile prescribing in the exam room. After all, writing a prescription is a part of a clinical conversation between doctor and patient.
By involving patients in the prescription process, you can foster trust and avoid issues that could cause delays.
Tools like iPrescribe by DrFirst support this collaboration, helping you and your patient review formulary options, check medication history, and confirm coverage and patients’ preferred pharmacy. This reduces errors and speeds time to treatment.
David F. Fang, D.M.D., said patients value seeing their prescriptions being processed during the encounter. “I think they appreciate that I’m doing it in real time in front of them. I’ll actually show them that their prescriptions are successfully processed.”
Striking the Right Balance
Using a mobile prescribing app in front of patients is a personal decision, informed by your communication style and the patient’s comfort level.
Some patients will value the efficiency; others may prefer less visible tech. Communication is key to strengthening your relationship and addressing concerns. Instead of just pulling out your phone, say, “I like to send prescriptions right away, so you don’t have to wait. I use a prescribing application on my phone. Are you okay if I take care of it right now?”
Engaging with patients during a time that would normally exclude them can bring welcome rewards for doctors and patients alike. You may find that patients appreciate the human interaction and leave the exam room better prepared to get started on their medication therapy.
Colin Banas, M.D., M.H.A.
Colin Banas, M.D., M.H.A., is the Chief Medical Officer of iPrescribe by DrFirst, a leading mobile prescribing app.
