Data accuracy of prescriptions reported to the Arkansas prescription drug monitoring program

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are databases for controlled substances dispensed from retail pharmacies. Although all 50 states operate their own PDMP, only a few have assessed the accuracy of the data being reported, and none have formally published their results.

The objectives of this study were to determine the accuracy of prescriptions reported to the Arkansas PDMP and investigate possible associations between pharmacy characteristics and error reporting.

Between 2022 and 2023, Arkansas pharmacies (n = 680) were audited to assess the accuracy of reported prescription data. Prescriptions from each pharmacy were compared to the data reported to the PDMP and assessed for errors ranging in severity from minor to severe. Data were analyzed to determine the accuracy rate of reported prescriptions. Negative binomial and logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify associations between pharmacy characteristics and the number or severity of errors reported.

A total of 1,081 (1.9%) errors were found during prescription evaluation. Of the errors found, 369 (34.1%) were considered minor, 582 (53.8%) intermediate, and 130 (12%) were severe. Independent pharmacies were associated with reporting a higher number of errors compared to chain pharmacies (IRR:1.34, 95% CI:1.16-1.56). Pharmacies that internally reported data had higher odds of severe errors compared to pharmacies reporting externally (OR:2.69, 95% CI:1.22-5.90). Rurality of the pharmacy did not have a significant impact on error reporting.

Overall, the study results suggest that data reported to the Arkansas PDMP are accurate, supporting the idea that PDMP data correctly represent the scheduled prescription medications being dispensed to the public. The findings indicate pharmacy characteristics that may have an impact on the number or severity of errors reported. For ongoing quality assurance, the Arkansas PDMP will continue to monitor data accuracy through quarterly audits.