Limited Engagement and Technical Challenges with Electronic Health Records

The implementation of electronic health records (EHR) has experienced a lukewarm reception among both healthcare professionals and patients. Despite the recent requirement for pharmacies to utilize EHR, interest from patients remains low. As of October 2025, a survey conducted by the market research firm IQVIA revealed that only 13% of pharmacy teams were questioned by their customers about the EHR, indicating a significant lack of inquiries about this new system.

Currently, the EHR primarily includes the electronic medication list (eML), which is automatically populated with data from electronic prescriptions. The rollout of the electronic medication plan (eMP), which will allow for the digital inclusion of over-the-counter medications and paper prescriptions, is expected to occur next year.

Pharmacy professionals see potential benefits in EHR, particularly in enhancing collaboration between pharmacies and medical practices. Over half of those surveyed believe that the electronic medication plan could facilitate better teamwork, while nearly 39% see value in the EHR if it improves medication therapy management. However, many patients and pharmacists still do not actively engage with the system.

A recent Civey survey conducted for Pharma Deutschland shows that while 78.2% of respondents were aware of the EHR, only about 15% reported using their electronic records. Dorothee Brakmann, the CEO of Pharma Deutschland, noted that although technical issues with the EHR have been somewhat alleviated in recent months, the overall adoption rates remain disappointing. She emphasized that widespread usage is essential for realizing the intended benefits of the system.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need for effective digital health solutions like the EHR is becoming increasingly evident. Nevertheless, the challenges of low engagement and technical difficulties must be addressed to ensure that both healthcare providers and patients can fully utilize these modern tools for better health outcomes.