Utilization and Challenges of Computerized Decision Support Systems in Community Pharmacies: A Cross-Sectional Study

Pharmacy Practice

  • Najwa Ataya1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Inas Almazari1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Mohammad Abu Assab1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Ahmad Samhan2Software Engineering Department, Faculty of Information Technology, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Hisham E. Hasan1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Hanadi Abu Assab1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan.
  • Feras Darwish Elhajji3Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11937, Jordan.

Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 1-17

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3526

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the utilization of computerized decision support tools and information resources in community pharmacies across Jordan, focusing on their impact on pharmacy management, patient care, service quality, and barriers to technology adoption. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated, self-administered questionnaire distributed to registered pharmacists working in community pharmacies throughout Jordan. A total of 393 collected responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine the associations related to computerized system adoption and utilization. Results: The study revealed that traditional computers (79.6%) and internet access (63.9%) were the most widely used tools in Jordanian community pharmacies, while a small percentage (1.3%) reported having a dedicated website. A significant number of pharmacies used a combination of paper and electronic forms (40.7%) for registration and documentation. Pharmacists highlighted the importance of computerized systems for administrative tasks and financial management (mean score: 4.11, p < 0.001). Despite the benefits, barriers such as electricity or internet outages (35.1%) and limited space for computers (34.9%) were identified. The study also found considerable variation in software usage duration, indicating varying levels of experience and familiarity with these systems. Conclusion: The study underscores the crucial role of computerized systems in enhancing pharmacy operations and improving patient care in Jordanian community pharmacies. However, the uneven adoption of technology and barriers, such as infrastructure limitations, suggest a need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include comprehensive training programs, policy changes, and enhanced support for technology integration to optimize pharmacy practice and ensure high-quality patient care.

Keywords

  • community pharmacy
  • decision-support systems
  • digital health
  • healthcare technology
  • information management
  • pharmacy management
  • Jordan
Pharmacy Practice

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