Swiss e-prescription initiative: Partners look ahead together

E-medication is making great progress in Switzerland: A key milestone was reached in 2024 when pharmacies were technically enabled to fulfil e-prescriptions.  This is a decisive step towards increasing patient safety and optimising the exchange between doctors, pharmacists and patients. The gold standard here is deep integration into pharmacies' systems. Alternatively, the service is also available as a web application so that every pharmacy can participate in E-Prescription Switzerland. The response from the sector has been encouraging: every second pharmacy in Switzerland has already registered and can be found via the e-rezept.ch platform.

Pharmacies that are not yet represented in the pharmacy finder on e-rezept.ch still have the opportunity to become part of the initiative. Pharmacies that work with HIN can register directly with HIN, while users of an Ovan ID can register via ofac. Participation not only offers access to a pioneering system, but also increased visibility to patients. By liaising closely with cantonal pharmacists and other important committees and authorities, the initiators ensure that service providers act in a legally compliant manner with the E-Prescription Switzerland service.

Milestone 2024: Technical basis fully established
A key success in 2024 will be the full technical implementation of the E-Prescription Switzerland service in the primary systems of service providers. On the pharmacy side, all major providers of point-of-sale systems (POS) have integrated the service, namely HCI Solutions, ofac, ProPharma Systems and Dauf. This enables pharmacies to fulfil e-prescriptions securely and efficiently. The Swiss e-prescription initiative has thus achieved the target it set itself for 2024 - thanks in part to the great efforts of the software companies. This shows: The industry is behind e-prescription Switzerland.

On the doctors' side, manufacturers of practice information systems (PIS) such as Ärztekasse, Vitodata, Kern, Logival and Axonlab have also already implemented the service. This means that e-prescriptions can be issued directly in the PIS without the need for additional software or a separate login. Particularly pleasing: the so-called "30-second bet" has been won. This means that an e-prescription can be issued just as quickly and conveniently as a conventional paper prescription. This achievement proves that digital solutions can not only be innovative and secure, but also practical and efficient.

Focus 2025: Training and anchoring the e-prescription
The Swiss e-prescription initiative is setting new priorities for 2025. At the technical level, implementation in the systems of hospitals and clinics (HIS) is on the agenda. Here, the initiators expect the first implementations at the beginning of 2025. At the application level, the focus is on the practical empowerment of pharmacies. Targeted information and training programmes for pharmacy staff are needed to ensure that e-prescriptions can be filled smoothly. These should support pharmacies in their daily work and ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the advantages of e-prescriptions Switzerland.

Another key aspect is the nationwide roll-out. In order to promote the issuing of e-prescriptions, the initiators are organising a series of online events together with the system providers, at which the various system implementations will be demonstrated live and questions from the field will be answered. In order to sensitise the public to the use of e-prescriptions in Switzerland, the initiative is providing information on the e-rezept.ch website and in the form of a flyer that service providers can give to their patients during consultations.

National basis, regional implementation projects
The Swiss e-prescription initiative used the year 2024 to develop basic documents such as common principles, use case documentation and a white paper. These are important in order to demonstrate compatibility with the ongoing partial revision of the Therapeutic Products Act and to ensure legal and investment security for users of the service. The initiators are working towards updating existing recommendations and position papers in the light of current and future regulations and prevailing practice.

The medical profession and pharmacies are equally challenged to establish e-prescriptions as the new standard in Switzerland. Regional implementation projects are planned for 2025 in the catchment areas of large central hospitals with the involvement of the cantonal medical associations and pharmacists' associations so that issuers and redeemers can switch over in a coordinated manner.

A conclusion with a view to the future
By reaching the 2024 milestone - the technical ability of pharmacies to fulfil e-prescriptions - the Swiss e-prescription initiative has laid the foundation for the future. The path beyond 2025 is clear: anchoring with service providers, creating trust among patients and maintaining dialogue in close cooperation and coordination between all parties involved.

pharmaSuisse, the FMH and HIN would like to thank all those who have participated so far and invite other stakeholders to support the implementation of e-prescriptions in Switzerland on a broad scale. Together, we are shaping the future of the Swiss healthcare system - digital, networked and patient-centred.