Educating Pharmacists on a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Objective: To provide education to community pharmacists regarding the registration and use of the Texas prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and to assess the impact of the education on pharmacists’ perceptions of the PDMP. Method: The study design was a descriptive, pre and post, cross-sectional survey conducted among community pharmacists attending a PDMP education program. The program was designed to present the PDMP as a public health tool available to assist pharmacists with dispensing decisions related to controlled prescription drugs. Results: Of the 24 pharmacists who completed the survey, 23 were already registered to use the PDMP. However, all 23 felt that the program successfully educated users regarding the PDMP and agreed that other community pharmacists would benefit from the program presented. After the program, 14 participants responded they would very likely use the PDMP in the next 30 days. Recognition of the use of PDMPs as a program for both pharmacists and physicians was increased from 12.5% (pre) to 73.9% (post). Conclusion: Pharmacists found the educational program beneficial and they were very likely to use the PDMP in the future. Perceptions of the Texas PDMP were changed from pre- to post-education program, with recognition that a PDMP can be a beneficial tool for pharmacy practice.