Perceptions of Saskatchewan community pharmacists regarding a prior-authorization program.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Health Services Research
• Medication Access

Background:

• Since 1999, Saskatchewan pharmacists can initiate exception drug status (EDS) or prior authorization (PA) requests.
• Previously, only prescribers could initiate these requests.
• Pharmacists require a physician-provided patient diagnosis for EDS requests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pharmacists' perceptions of the Saskatchewan drug Plan's PA program benefits.
• To identify factors influencing pharmacist-initiated EDS requests.

Main Methods:

• A census survey of community pharmacy managers in Saskatchewan was conducted in 2004.
• A self-administered postal questionnaire was used.
• Responses were collected on behalf of all pharmacists within each pharmacy.

Main Results:

• An 82.6% response rate was achieved.
• Most pharmacists agreed PA benefits patients (87.3%) and the drug plan (82.5%), but fewer saw benefits for themselves (33.4%).
• Key factors were information access (87.6%), physician contact (87.3%), and patient affordability (85.1%); pharmacist time was not significant.

Conclusions:

• Community pharmacists in Saskatchewan recognize the patient benefits of the EDS/PA process.
• Pharmacists face administrative challenges, particularly in obtaining essential patient diagnostic information.