eprintid: 33457
rev_number: 27
userid: 7324
dir: disk0/00/03/34/57
datestamp: 2019-05-31 21:20:47
lastmod: 2019-05-31 21:20:47
status_changed: 2019-05-31 21:20:47
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
contact_email: danlomauro@gmail.com
eprint_status: archive
creators_name: Lomauro, Daniel
creators_email: dal109@pitt.edu
creators_id: dal109
contributors_type: committee_chair
contributors_type: committee_member
contributors_name: Frank, Linda
contributors_name: Terry, Martha
contributors_email: frankie@pitt.edu
contributors_email: materry@pitt.edu
title: Pennsylvania prescription drug monitoring program: potential public health impact of a national database
ispublished: unpub
divisions: sch_gsph_infectiousdiseasesmicrobiology
full_text_status: public
abstract: Prescription drug misuse and opioid overdose death have increased significantly in recent years. Many states have implemented Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) as a means to improve prescribing practices and mediate the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States (US). This comprehensive literature review examines the current structure of state-run PDMPs, and legislation surrounding them. More specifically, the Pennsylvania PDMP is examined. Limitations and barriers to use of PDMPs are explored. Recommendations are provided for improving current state-run PDMPs, and a proposal is made for the development of a national-level prescription drug monitoring database.
Public Health Significance: The implementation of a standardized national-level prescription drug monitoring database could have a significant impact on reducing accessible opioids and other substances in the community.  This could reduce opioid overdose death rates as discussed in prior studies of the effects of current state-run programs. A national program could also have an impact on decreasing the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Literature supports an association between substance use and increased risk of engaging in needle sharing and risky sexual behavior while under the influence of drugs or in seeking drugs. Improving accessibility of patient prescription data through a national database could lead to improved prescribing/tapering of opioid drugs, and improved screening and treatment for substance use; therefore, preventing the progression from prescription drug misuse to injection drug use.
date: 2018-04-18
date_type: acceptance
pages: 47
institution: University of Pittsburgh
refereed: TRUE
thesis_type: masteressay
degree: MPH
citation:   Lomauro, Daniel  (2018) Pennsylvania prescription drug monitoring program: potential public health impact of a national database.  Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.   
document_url: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/33457/1/DLomauro_MasterEssay_IDM_April2018.doc