Impacts of a Statewide Prescription Drug Monitoring Program-Healthcare Practitioner Perspectives

This study examined the perceived impacts of New South Wales' (NSW) statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP; "SafeScript NSW") from the perspective of prescribers and pharmacists, using a qualitative descriptive design. Fourteen prescribers and pharmacists who were users of NSW's PDMP completed semi-structured interviews between May and August 2024. Thematic analysis was guided by the Quadruple Aim framework. Impacts were classified as those relating to (1) population health outcomes, (2) patients' care experience, (3) costs, (4) practitioners' work experience. PDMP's perceived impacts on population health included improved medication safety and reduced prescription shopping. Key patient impacts included risk of stigma and treatment interruption. Despite these, both prescribers and pharmacists reported improved therapeutic relationships with patients following SafeScript NSW use. Impacts on relationships between healthcare practitioners were mixed, with resistance encountered from those who do not use SafeScript NSW. No impacts of PDMP on healthcare delivery costs were reported. Participants discussed efficiency impacts relating to practitioners' work. Both practitioner groups reported PDMP use increased confidence and safer prescribing/dispensing practices. Workflow misalignment and workarounds were reported, predominantly by pharmacists. This study adds evidence on healthcare practitioners' perspectives on PDMP. To minimize negative impacts, we suggest further evaluation and strategies to address user-identified gaps, including workflow challenges. Collaborative development of system improvements and strategies with users can maximize continued user acceptance and uptake, benefits realization, and the system's long-term success.