Awareness And Utilization Of The Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System By Physician Assistants

Author

Julia Cathleen Rose, University of New EnglandFollow

Date of Award

6-2015

Rights

© 2015 Julia Rose

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Carey Clark

Second Advisor

Michelle Collay

Third Advisor

Safdar Khan

Abstract

Chronic pain has become a public health epidemic. As pain complaints increase, so does the potential for drug abuse/misuse. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are active in 49 of the 50 states to assist providers in recognizing drug abuse/misuse. There is no clear standardization of who utilizes the PDMP and how. Little is still known about the ways PDMP results are incorporated into clinical decision making, what barriers exist, and how providers may or may not alter their prescribing plans based on the results. Laws surrounding prescribing practices and use of the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS) are constantly updated. Existing literature was reviewed regarding state PDMPs, OARRS, Ohio Revised Code, limitations of PDMPs, and physician assistants (PAs) role in using the OARRS. Current literature shows underutilization and lack of awareness of the OARRS by PAs. Quantitative data was collected using a twenty-six question electronic survey distributed to PAs actively licensed to practice in the State of Ohio as of February 25, 2014 (n= 2563) with a rate of return of 15.6%. Results showed 73.80% of PAs indicated that they were currently enrolled in OARRS and 26.20% indicated they were not enrolled. Of the PAs enrolled in OARRS, 71.87% responded that they do utilize the OARRS and of those enrolled, 74.04% report an average use of at least once per week. Routines for enrolling, accessing, and responding to OARRS results vary widely. As controlled substance prescribing and use of OARRS increases, it is important to understand what approaches are most effective for identifying and addressing enrollment and utilization of the OARRS. Future trends for OARRS education on increasing enrollment and utilization of OARRS are described.

Comments

Ed.D. Dissertation

Preferred Citation

Rose, Julia Cathleen, "Awareness And Utilization Of The Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System By Physician Assistants" (2015). All Theses And Dissertations. 25.
https://dune.une.edu/theses/25