The application of European practices to the implementation of the electronic prescription in Bulgaria - opportunities and challenges

Introduction: The digitalization of the health systems is a global tendency, which is gradually increasing in Bulgaria. An essential step to achieve an effective computerized system is the introduction of the electronic prescription. So far some activities and services are electronized in our country. Moreover, local registries and databases are already established. However, a complete software solution and integrated information system for electronic management of the pharmaceutical sector is still missing. The electronic prescription is the indispensable integrative component of the healthcare system, which guarantees the infor-mation transmission and at the same time combines the selective databases from different parts of the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Thus, the electronic prescription is not only a digital version of the standard paper prescribing document, but also a key element for the successful development of e-health platform in Bulgaria. Aim: To elicit the main characteristics of the electronic prescription models used in the European countries and analyze the implementation possibilities in Bulgaria. Materials and Methods: Conduction of a systematic analysis of the e-health practices in some European countries and Bulgaria and summarize data in specific tables and charts. Results: Our current study focuses on the main characteristics of the models already applied in some Euro-pean countries. By extensive comparative analysis we emphasize on the similarities and differences, advantages and possible obstacles during the implementation of the exterior practical experience in our country. Furthermore we analyze European experience in respect to the e-services, which use as a base the structure of the electronic prescription. A SWOT analysis was performed. Finally, we shed light on the readiness of the National Health Insurance Fund to implement the electronic prescription. Conclusion: For the computerization of the health system it is essential to analyze the experience of the countries which already partially or fully use electronic prescription. The best practices should be taken in mind, when establishing a conceptual and working model for Bulgaria.