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Pharmacy computer prescription databases: methodologic issues of access and confidentiality
J A Beto1, M C Geraci, P A Marshall
1University of Chicago, IL.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Pharmacy computer prescription databases (PCPDs) offer efficient participant selection for health surveys. However, ethical considerations and patient confidentiality must be rigorously addressed for their use in research.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Pharmacy computer prescription databases (PCPDs) are increasingly available for research.
- Utilizing PCPDs for participant recruitment presents unique methodological challenges.
- Ensuring participant confidentiality and data access are critical ethical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the methodological issues of access and confidentiality in using PCPDs for participant selection.
- To assess the feasibility of recruiting participants for a quality-of-life survey outside a primary care setting using PCPDs.
Main Methods:
- Two independent, privately owned PCPDs were used for patient searches.
- Pharmacists conducted searches for patients prescribed antihypertensive medications (n=635 nonrandom, n=100 random sample).
- Participants received mailed surveys with anonymous return options.
Main Results:
- The PCPD methodology faced no significant opposition from pharmacists or participants.
- Ethical concerns arose during the integration of PCPD sampling into a grant proposal.
- The study highlights the need for clear ethical guidelines for PCPD use in research.
Conclusions:
- PCPD technology facilitates efficient research recruitment but requires stringent ethical oversight.
- Recommendations are provided based on the American Pharmaceutical Association Code of Ethics for PCPD investigative use.
- Balancing research efficiency with pharmacist-patient confidentiality and data access rights is paramount.