Usability evaluation of the user interface in electronic prescribing systems of Iran Health Insurance Organization and Social Security Organization

Introduction: The e-prescribing system is one of the basic technologies in the health system structure which was developed with the aim of properly managing healthcare resources and services, preventing common manual prescribing errors, and increasing patient safety. Given that the user interface of e-prescribing system is considered as the main factor of user acceptance, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the user interface usability of the e-prescribing systems of  Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) and Social Security Organization (SSO) in Iran. Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional  study  was conducted in 2022. The research sample consisted of 150 physicians working in educational-therapeutic centers of Urmia University of Medical Sciences who were selected through stratified sampling with proportional allocation. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire The validity and reliability o f which were verified. The data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and independent t-test using SPSS software. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the user interface SSO and IHIO in general (terms, letters, icons and navigation) and specific (alert display, personalization, entering and displaying information, guidance and interactions) areas. However, there was a statistically significant difference in "color" (P=0.047) and "visibility" (P=0.049). Conclusion: The user interface of two e-prescribing systems in Iran has an average status in terms of usability. Therefore, it seems necessary for system developers to use aesthetic elements, interaction in the user's language, presentation of useful information in a simple and clear format in the design of the user interface according to the principles of human-computer interaction.