Health Science Monitor

en Evaluating Privacy and Security Requirements of the Electronic Prescribing System in Iran: A Qualitative Study Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Public Health Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Public Health پژوهشي Research Article <div style="text-align: justify;">Background Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems enable physicians to generate and transmit prescriptions electronically, improving accuracy, reducing medication errors, and supporting clinical decision-making. These systems also enhance communication between healthcare providers and pharmacies, contributing to safer and more efficient patient care. Because e-prescribing involves the exchange of sensitive patient information, ensuring data privacy, confidentiality, and cybersecurity is essential for the safe and effective use of these systems.The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the privacy and security requirements of the electronic prescribing system in Iran from the perspectives of different stakeholders. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in Urmia, Iran, in 2024. A total of 15 participants were recruited, including information technology specialists (n = 7), health information management professionals (n = 3), and physicians (n = 5). Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, each lasting approximately 30–40 minutes. The interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with MAXQDA software, and the coding process was independently reviewed by a second researcher to enhance the credibility and reliability of the findings. Results Analysis identified three major themes and 15 sub-themes. Participants emphasized the importance of technical safeguards, including multi-factor authentication, robust password policies, role-based access control, encryption, real-time security alerts, and system protections against external threats. Managerial measures, such as audits, training, and standards-based security practices, together with user-related behaviors, including security awareness and responsible system use, were also considered critical. Conclusion The e-prescribing system has positively influenced outpatient healthcare services in Iran. Ensuring privacy and security, however, depends on the implementation of robust technical safeguards, effective managerial strategies, and responsible user behavior. Future research should evaluate the nationwide implementation of the system and investigate opportunities to further optimize its performance and effectiveness.  </div> Ambulatory care, Computer security, Electronic prescribing, Privacy 17 23 http://hsm.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-232-3&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Mohamad Jebraeily jabraily@gmail.com 10031947532846004971 10031947532846004971 No Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Hero Khezri herokhezri2023@gmail.com 10031947532846004972 10031947532846004972 No Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Bahlol Rahimi rahimi.b@umsu.ac.ir 10031947532846004973 10031947532846004973 No Health and Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Ghanbar Tavassoli tavassoli.gh@umsu.ac.ir 10031947532846004974 10031947532846004974 No Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Tahereh Samimi samimi.ta@umsu.ac.ir 10031947532846004975 10031947532846004975 Yes Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran