Pharmacists' perceptions on real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM) systems - a cross-sectional survey

Real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM) systems are an effective tool to help health practitioners monitor opioid use and reduce opioid-related harm but little has been reported about the support required by pharmacists to engage with them effectively in practice.

To evaluate the current understanding and perceptions of Western Australian pharmacists regarding RTPM systems and opioid-related harm, and investigate their self-reported training and support requirements prior to RTPM system implementation.

This cross-sectional, prospective study involved an online Qualtrics survey distributed to Western Australian community or hospital pharmacists involved in dispensing and patient-centred roles via local professional pharmacy newsletters and social media. Data collection included demographic information, responses to authentic case scenarios and Likert-scale questions regarding perceptions and training requirements of a RTPM system, pain management and opioid-related harm. Descriptive analysis was utilised.

Sixty-two pharmacists responded to the questionnaire. Most (58/61; 95.1%) had a positive attitude towards RTPM systems, but only 33/61 (54.1%) reported being prepared for its implementation. Perceived barriers to successful implementation included lack of remuneration (46/60; 76.6%), conflict with prescribers (40/60; 66.7%), increased workload (37/60; 61.7%), staff safety concerns (34/60; 56.7%) and lack of knowledge regarding RTPM systems (32/60; 53.3%). Even though most participants were satisfied with training previously received, over 90% reported requiring further training and education, especially regarding RTPM systems (51/57; 96.2%) and opioid-related harm (56/57; 98.2%).

Among a small sample of participants, there was a strong positivity regarding the value of RTPM systems and a high degree of receptiveness to further training in preparation for RTPM implementation.