Deterrents to Integrating the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program into the Electronic Health Record

Abstract

There are over 700 prescription and illicit opioid-related deaths each year in Washington State. Integrating the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data into the electronic health record (EHR) allows providers seamless access to patient controlled substances prescription histories, thereby reducing inappropriate prescribing and overdoses. The project overview describes the study focus, investigation of barriers to integrating PDMP data into EHRs across care settings for providers in Washington State who prescribe controlled substances. An online survey tool was developed to inquire about barriers to PDMP integration. The article presents survey results, indicating that 81% of respondents were not integrating PMDP data into the EHR and 52% did not plan on integration. The discussion section considers common barriers that providers identified, such as EHR vendor inability to provide an update, difficulty accessing the PDMP, and prioritization. Cost was the most significant barrier. Discovering barriers to PDMP integration allows stakeholders to address these issues and prevent overprescribing of controlled substances.