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

Ziyue Zhang; Lin Guo; Ran Si; Leanne Chalmers; Patricia Filippin; Jane Carpenter; Petra Czarniak

Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy (Mar 2022)

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

Ziyue Zhang,
Lin Guo,
Ran Si,
Leanne Chalmers,
Patricia Filippin,
Jane Carpenter,
Petra Czarniak

Affiliations

Ziyue Zhang: Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
Lin Guo: Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
Ran Si: Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
Leanne Chalmers: Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
Patricia Filippin: Department of Health, Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch, Royal Street, East Perth, Western Australia 6004, Australia
Jane Carpenter: Department of Health, Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch, Royal Street, East Perth, Western Australia 6004, Australia
Petra Czarniak: Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Corresponding author.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 5
p. 100122

Abstract

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Background: 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. Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Result: 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%). Conclusion: 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.

Published in Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy

ISSN: 2667-2766 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Pharmacy and materia medica
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/exploratory-research-in-clinical-and-social-pharmacy

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