Factors associated with prescription drug monitoring program utilisation: a cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists

Background: Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) are databases which collect prescribing and dispensing information for high-risk medicines, and are one approach to mitigate prescription opioid-related risks. Aim: To examine correlates of PDMP use under voluntary and mandatory conditions, among a representative sample of community pharmacists in Victoria, Australia. Method: An online anonymous survey was conducted and collected data in relation to pharmacist and pharmacy characteristics, comfort in performing certain tasks, PDMP training and the frequency of PDMP use under voluntary and mandatory conditions. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to determine the effect of each covariate on voluntary and mandatory PDMP use. Results: In total, 265 pharmacists participated (response rate 47%). Under voluntary conditions, a quarter of pharmacists (24.9%) used the PDMP all the time, while half (51.7%) used the PDMP all of the time, once mandated. Pharmacies that stocked naloxone (OR: 1.96; 95% CI 1.11–3.45) and pharmacists that had attended formal PDMP training (OR: 1.78; 95% CI 1.05–3.05), were significantly associated with regular PDMP use under voluntary conditions. Under mandatory conditions, increased odds of PDMP use were associated with pharmacies that stocked naloxone (OR: 1.88; 95% CI 1.06–3.34). Pharmacists working in regional and rural areas had significantly lower odds (OR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.20–0.63) of always using the PDMP, as did pharmacists with > 15 years’ experience (OR: 0.24; 95% CI 0.11–0.51) once use was mandated. Conclusion: Given that PDMP utilisation was slower or less regular amongst pharmacists located in regional and rural areas, pharmacists with more years of experience and those not already supplying naloxone, targeted training aimed at these sub-populations may be beneficial.