Attitudes of Florida Pharmacists Toward Implementing a State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program for Controlled Substances

Objective. This study was conducted to assess Florida pharmacists’ attitudes toward implementing a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) in the state. Background. As of October 20, 2011, 37 states had an operational PDMP. PDMPs are electronic databases that are intended to serve as a tool for health care practitioners when prescribing and dispensing controlled substances to reduce drug abuse and diversion. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Florida between February 2010 and June 2010 prior to the implementation of the proposed PDMP. A random sample of 5,000 of approximately 26,000 pharmacists licensed in Florida was invited to participate in a voluntary and anonymous 10-question self-administered mail survey of which 4 survey items assessed pharmacists’ attitudes towards implementing a PDMP in the state. Results. Of the 5,000 pharmacists contacted by mail, 911 (18.2%) completed the survey, of whom 836 responded to the items assessing opinions about PDMPs and provided practice site information. A majority of pharmacists across all practice settings agreed or strongly agreed with the statements that a PDMP “should be implemented in Florida” (chain 84.0%, hospital 74.2%, independent 77.9%, and other 71.1%) and that a PDMP would decrease “the incidence of doctor shopping” if implemented (chain 80.8%, hospital 67.2%, independent 71.7%, and other 63.3%). Conclusion. In a small-sample survey, a majority of Florida pharmacists across all practice settings were in favor of implementing a PDMP in Florida. Grants. This study was funded by a grant from the HPD Research Committee.