2026/07/01 by Louisa Picco, Monica Jung, Rose Laing +3 · 1 voice
Medicine · Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics · #Opioid Use Disorder Treatment #Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes #Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions
paper · doi:10.1111/dar.70210
openalex publication_date 2026/07/01 · openalex created_date 2026/07/12 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
INTRODUCTION: Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) are a key supply-side policy aimed at reducing medication-related harms, which have been implemented in all Australian states and territories; however, experiences have not been explored nationally among community pharmacists. The objectives of this study were to investigate PDMP use among Australian community pharmacists, including frequency of use, reasons for and barriers to use. METHODS: An anonymous online survey collected data on: (i) the pharmacist (i.e., gender, years of pharmacy experience, PDMP training) and the pharmacy (i.e., location, pharmacy type, average number of daily prescriptions received); and (ii) PDMP use (i.e., frequency of use, reasons for checking PDMP, frequency of barriers experienced). Logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with frequent PDMP use. RESULTS: Among a sample of 730 community pharmacists, regular ('all the time') PDMP use was more common in mandated (74.1%), compared to non-mandated (45.7%) states/territories (p < 0.001). Few pharmacists reported experiencing barriers 'all the time' in mandated (4.0%) and non-mandated (4.8%) states/territories. Pharmacists working in mandated states/territories (aOR: 3.64; 95% CI 2.60-5.09), capital cities (aOR: 1.90; 95% CI 1.34-2.70) and pharmacies that are part of chain/banner group (aOR: 1.49; 95% CI 1.04-2.13) were more likely to use PDMP 'all the time', compared with those with less frequent use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Australian community pharmacists demonstrate variations in the frequency and reasons for PDMP use. Concerted efforts through education and practise-level interventions are needed to encourage PDMP use, particularly in non-mandated states and territories, independent pharmacies, and those working outside capital cities.