Awareness and Utilization of a Prescription Monitoring Program Among Physicians

Abstract

In 2011, 5 years after the implementation of a statewide prescription monitoring program (PMP) in Ohio, a survey was distributed to physicians in five specialty areas. During the study period, 95 of 156 surveys were returned, for a 61% response rate. The purpose of the questionnaire was to assess utilization rates as well as reasons for accessing the PMP database and any influence the database may have had on prescribing practices. Over 84% of respondents were aware of the existence of the state PMP. However less than 59% of the respondents who were aware of the program had ever used it. Medical specialty was found to have a significant impact on both awareness and utilization of the system, with pediatric physicians least likely, and emergency physicians most likely, to be aware of and utilize the state PMP. Recommendations based on the authors' survey results include targeting pediatric and internal medicine providers for increased education regarding awareness and benefits of PMP utilization.

Provider Patient-Sharing Networks and Multiple-Provider Prescribing of Benzodiazepines

“…To date, however, uptake of these programs has been slow. [8][9][10] Here, we ask the question: does care coordination diminish the chance of multiple-provider prescribing of benzodiazepines? Care coordination involves a coherent approach to patient management amongst providers, through sharing of care plans and patient information.…”

Windmills and Pill Mills: Can PDMPs Tilt the Prescription Drug Epidemic?

“…The implementation of a PDMP alone-even with perfect reporting by pharmacies-cannot guarantee awareness and use of these databases. A survey of palliative care physicians in Ohio 5 years after the implementation of that state's PDMP found that while 84 % of respondents knew of the system, less than 59 % of those aware of the program had used it clinically [21]. Regardless of specialty, this survey highlights that without appropriate educational campaigns to encourage their use, PDMPs are unlikely to have a significant effect on prescribing practices or prescription opioid abuse.…”

Assessing the Present State and Potential of Medicaid Controlled Substance Lock-In Programs

“…Although uptake of PDMP use has been slow among providers, researchers have found an association between PDMP use and reduced fraudulent prescription-seeking behavior and unnecessary health care utilization resulting from nonmedical use of opioid analgesics. [17][18][19][20][21] ■■ The Lock-In Approach Although PDMPs capture all legally dispensed controlled substance prescriptions in a state, policymakers have also recognized the potential for influencing nonmedical prescription drug use through payer systems, particularly Medicaid programs. Currently, the vast majority of states operate Medicaid "lock-in" programs (MLIPs).…”