The Last Mile in Rational Prescription: The Application of Behavioral Economics in the Design of the Electronic Prescribing System

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, AND Health Management and Economics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 PhD Student, Student Research Committee, School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Rational prescription of medications can prevent complications and decrease costs for healthcare systems and patients. For this purpose, many administrative, legal, and educational interventions have been implemented in different countries. These initiatives have been able to control the irrational prescription to some extent. Behavioral economics tries to persuade people to change their behavior without using coercion. The most important tool of this new branch of economics is identifying predictable cognitive biases and trying to reduce their effect. Various interventions are carried out in the world for the rational prescription of drugs using behavioral economics. The current study reviews four interventions: changing the default option, the peer group effect, suggested alternatives, and accountable justification. It seems that due to the widespread use of electronic prescribing systems, these methods can lead to the improvement of the rational prescription of drugs in the country. Although behavioral economics interventions are not substitutes for education, legislation, and other current activities, they can be considered a complement to behavior change.

Highlights

Maryam Moeeni: Google Scholar, PubMed

Mohammad Ali Jalilvand: Google Scholar, PubMed

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Mullainathan S. Solving social problems with a nudge. Presentation given at the TED conference in India; 2009 Available from"https://www.ted.com/talks/sendhil_mullainathan_solving_social_problems_with_a_nudge

Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 43, Issue 813
1st Week, July
July and August 2025
Pages 426-428

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 19 July 2025

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