Identifying & Overcoming Prescriber Barriers to Improve the Use of Prescriptive Drug Monitoring Program

Abstract

Background/Problem: The misuse, abuse, and diversion of controlled substances is a problematic health concern in the United States. Healthcare practitioners who prescribe controlled substances play an important role in prescribing and monitoring how these drugs are used. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to identify perceived barriers prescribers face that hinder their ability to access and use the PDMP prior to prescribing controlled substances. Once barriers were identified, site-specific initiatives aimed at addressing barriers were developed and delivered. Methods: A pre- and post-intervention survey to assess prescriber knowledge and barriers related to PDMP use was developed, approved by IRB, and administered to a sample of prescribers in California, Florida, and Kansas. A mixed-method approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Pre-intervention survey analysis and appraisal of the literature guided site-specific initiatives developed to address prescriber barriers to using the PDMP. The interventions included an asynchronous video and PowerPoint presentation in California and Florida, and an in-person luncheon with discussion and PowerPoint presentation in Kansas. The QI team members provided the participants with a toolkit and resources specific to each site's needs to improve the utilization of the PDMP. The post-survey was conducted six weeks after the initial pre-survey review. Results: 22 participants responded to the preliminary survey. Out of the 22 participants, 18 respondents completed the post-survey questionnaire. The participants reported increased knowledge of accessing and using the PDMP, increased understanding of how to prescribe naloxone, and agreed that PDMP is an excellent tool for mitigating the controlled substance crisis. Conclusion: Targeted educational awareness can increase compliance with the PDMP and improve overall patient safety through safe controlled