Satisfaction Status of Pharmacists Towards Pharmacy Information Systems: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to qualitatively assess the satisfaction of pharmacists in Turkey regarding the use of Pharmacy Information Systems (PIS). Conducted in Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, 15 pharmacies were included in the sample. Pharmacists or pharmacy owners voluntarily participated, answering pre-set questions about their satisfaction and challenges with PIS. Key findings revealed pharmacists' satisfaction revolved around the system's speed, ease of use, practicality, and functionality. However, 20% of participants could not pinpoint any satisfactory aspects, indicating improvements are necessary for user experience. Most strikingly, problems related to the Social Security Institution (SGK) system emerged as critical, with 46.66% expressing dissatisfaction and 40% stating unjust penalization from the SGK. System update processes and slow system speed were other significant issues. The study established the need for improvements that enhance user experience and system speed, resolving issues related to the Social Security Institution (SGK) integration, making electronic information systems more functional, making stock control and medicine tracking systems more effective, preventing erroneous or misleading information in the system, and organizing training and support programs to enable pharmacists to use the system more efficiently.