Computerisation of medical prescriptions and electronic circulation of prescriptions in Italy: Changing legislation and European principles

Abstract

From the beginning of the decade of 2000, the need to simplify the collection and transfer of “health information”, along with the need to strictly control health prescriptions and medicinal products dispensed for SSN (Italian National Health System) users, marked the start of the computerisation of medical prescriptions and electronic circulation of drugs prescriptions. The purpose of this work is to reconstruct the domestic regulation according to the European principles, identifying the main strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the medical and pharmaceutical care for users and the streamlining of costs. Finally, the national electronic prescription and its connection with electronic health registers will be analysed.