ObjectiveDuring the first stage of implementing the National Medication List in
Sweden, a web-based application called Förskrivningskollen (FK) was
launched. FK includes information about a patient's prescribed and dispensed
medications, and it works as a backup system until the healthcare electronic
health record (EHR) systems are fully integrated. The aim of this study was
to examine the healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions of
FK.MethodsThe study applied a mixed methods approach, with statistics about the use of
FK and a survey with open and closed questions. The respondents (n  =  288)
were healthcare professionals who were users or potential users of FK.ResultsOverall there was little knowledge about FK and uncertainty regarding working
routines and the regulations connected to the application. Lack of
interoperability with the EHRs made FK time-consuming to use. Respondents
said that the information in FK was not updated, and they were concerned
that using FK could lead to a false sense of security about the accuracy of
the list. Most clinical pharmacists thought FK added benefit to their
clinical work, while as a group, physicians were more ambivalent about FK's
benefit.ConclusionsThe concerns of healthcare professionals give important insights for future
implementation of shared medication lists. Working routines and regulations
linked to FK need to be clarified. In Sweden, the potential value of a
national shared medication list will probably not be realized until it is
fully integrated into the EHR in a way that supports healthcare
professionals’ desired ways of working.