Using Think Aloud Protocols to Assess E-Prescribing in Community Pharmacies
Loading...
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
Using Think Aloud Protocols to Assess E-Prescribing in Community Pharmacies
Published Date
2012-10
Publisher
University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy
Type
Article
Abstract
Introduction: Think aloud protocol has rarely been used as a method of data collection in community pharmacies.
Purpose: The aim of the report is to describe how think aloud protocols were used to identify issues that arise when using e-prescribing technology in pharmacies. In this paper, we report on the benefits and challenges of using think aloud protocols in pharmacies to examine the use of e-prescribing systems.
Methods: Sixteen pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were recruited from seven community pharmacies in Wisconsin. Data were collected using direct observation alongside think aloud protocol. Direct observations and think aloud protocols took place between January-February, 2011. Participants were asked to verbalize their thoughts as they process electronic prescriptions.
Results: Participants identified weaknesses in e-prescribing that they had previously not conceived. This created heightened awareness for vigilance when processing e-prescriptions. The main challenge with using think aloud protocols was due to interruptions in the pharmacies. Also, a few participants found it challenging to remember to continue verbalizing their thought process during think aloud sessions.
Conclusion: The use of think aloud protocols as method of data collection is a new way for understanding the issues related to technology use in community pharmacy practice. Think aloud protocol was beneficial in providing objective information on e-prescribing use not solely based on pharmacist’s or technician’s opinion of the technology. This method provided detailed information on a wide variety of real time challenges with e-prescribing technology use in community pharmacies. Using this data collection method can help identify potential patient safety issues when using e-prescribing and suggestions for redesign.
Description
Related to
Replaces
License
Collections
Series/Report Number
Funding information
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
Odukoya OK, Chui MA. Using Think Aloud Protocols to Assess E-Prescribing in Community Pharmacies. Innov. Pharm. 2012; 3(88):1-7.
Suggested citation
Odukoya, Olufunmilola K.; Chui, Michelle A.. (2012). Using Think Aloud Protocols to Assess E-Prescribing in Community Pharmacies. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/137116.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.