In an American Medical Association survey, most physicians reported prescription drug monitoring programs are valuable in helping them understand a patient's prescription history, according to National Pain Report.
The AMA and AMA Task Force to Reduce Prescription Opioid Abuse commissioned a national survey polling over 2,100 physicians. These physicians work at least 20 hours each week, have a license to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances and prescribe opioids at least weekly.
Here are five results from the survey.
1. Respondents said the programs would be more beneficial if they had features, including real-time data usage and electronic health record integration.
2. Sixty-eight percent of physicians have taken safe prescribing continuing medical education courses.
3. More than half (55percent) have taken opioid alternative pain management CME.
4. Twenty-five percent said the opioid CME they needed was not available.
5. Over 80 percent of those polled said patients at risk of an overdose should have access to naloxone by a standing order agreement with a pharmacist.
"Our nation's opioid epidemic won't end unless we become leaders by supporting the necessary policies and making the necessary practice changes," Steven J. Stack, MD, AMA president, said in a statement. "I urge you to join me in taking these steps today. Now is the time to act — this is our moment to turn the tide."
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