Nicholas E Hagemeier1, Matthew M Murawski2, Nicolas C Lopez3, Arsham Alamian4, Robert P Pack4. 1. Department of Pharmacy Practice, East Tennessee State University Gatton College of Pharmacy, Box 70657, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA. Electronic address: hagemeier@etsu.edu. 2. Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN, USA. 3. East Tennessee State University Gatton College of Pharmacy, Johnson City, TN, USA. 4. East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, Johnson City, TN, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Community pharmacists are a key intervention point in efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of prescription drug abuse and misuse (PDA/M); yet pharmacists' perceptions regarding PDA/M have been explored only briefly in the literature. OBJECTIVES: 1) To explore Tennessee community pharmacists' perceptions regarding opioid pain reliever (OPR) prescribing, dispensing and abuse; 2) to explore community pharmacists' self-efficacy beliefs regarding PDA/M-specific communication; and 3) to evaluate perceived barriers to engaging patients in PDA/M-specific communication. METHODS: A 55-item survey instrument was developed using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TpB) as a theoretical framework. Questionnaires were mailed to a stratified sample of 2000 licensed Tennessee pharmacists using the Tailored Design Method of survey administration during October and November, 2012. RESULTS: A response rate of 40% was obtained. A majority of pharmacists (87.5%) perceived OPR abuse to be a problem in their practice settings. On average, a little more than half (53%) of prescriptions issued for OPRs were estimated to be for patients with one or more legitimate medical reasons justifying the medication(s). A small fraction of pharmacists (13%) reported having addiction treatment facility information in their practice settings, and only a small percent reported strong self-efficacy beliefs regarding PDA/M patient communication. Job-related time constraints were perceived as the primary barrier to engaging in PDA/M communication. CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacists in Tennessee are aware of PDA/M by patients receiving opioid prescriptions and value their role in communicating with these patients but indicate their ability to do so effectively is hindered by a lack of confidence, training, and time. Further research to identify and test methods for facilitating PDA/M communication by pharmacists is indicated.
BACKGROUND: Community pharmacists are a key intervention point in efforts to prevent and mitigate the impact of prescription drug abuse and misuse (PDA/M); yet pharmacists' perceptions regarding PDA/M have been explored only briefly in the literature. OBJECTIVES: 1) To explore Tennessee community pharmacists' perceptions regarding opioid pain reliever (OPR) prescribing, dispensing and abuse; 2) to explore community pharmacists' self-efficacy beliefs regarding PDA/M-specific communication; and 3) to evaluate perceived barriers to engaging patients in PDA/M-specific communication. METHODS: A 55-item survey instrument was developed using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TpB) as a theoretical framework. Questionnaires were mailed to a stratified sample of 2000 licensed Tennessee pharmacists using the Tailored Design Method of survey administration during October and November, 2012. RESULTS: A response rate of 40% was obtained. A majority of pharmacists (87.5%) perceived OPR abuse to be a problem in their practice settings. On average, a little more than half (53%) of prescriptions issued for OPRs were estimated to be for patients with one or more legitimate medical reasons justifying the medication(s). A small fraction of pharmacists (13%) reported having addiction treatment facility information in their practice settings, and only a small percent reported strong self-efficacy beliefs regarding PDA/M patient communication. Job-related time constraints were perceived as the primary barrier to engaging in PDA/M communication. CONCLUSIONS: Community pharmacists in Tennessee are aware of PDA/M by patients receiving opioid prescriptions and value their role in communicating with these patients but indicate their ability to do so effectively is hindered by a lack of confidence, training, and time. Further research to identify and test methods for facilitating PDA/M communication by pharmacists is indicated.
Authors: Aaron Salwan; Nicholas E Hagemeier; Fred Tudiver; KariLynn Dowling-McClay; Kelly N Foster; Jessie Arnold; Arsham Alamian; Robert P Pack Journal: J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) Date: 2020-07-12
Authors: Nicholas E Hagemeier; Fred Tudiver; Scott Brewster; Elizabeth J Hagy; Brittany Ratliff; Angela Hagaman; Robert P Pack Journal: Subst Abus Date: 2017-09-15 Impact factor: 3.716
Authors: Brian J Piper; Clare E Desrosiers; John W Lipovsky; Matthew A Rodney; Robert P Baker; Kenneth L McCall; Stephanie D Nichols; Sarah L Martin Journal: J Stud Alcohol Drugs Date: 2016-07 Impact factor: 2.582
Authors: Nicholas E Hagemeier; Fred Tudiver; Scott Brewster; Elizabeth J Hagy; Angela Hagaman; Robert P Pack Journal: Res Social Adm Pharm Date: 2015-12-29