Author: Andrew Jones, DVM, Veterinary Risk Specialist

Prescription drug misuse remains a significant patient safety and public health concern. Healthcare workers who prescribe and dispense medications share a responsibility to prevent medication abuse, diversion, and inappropriate use.

A proactive approach that combines thorough assessment, careful prescribing, monitoring, education, and collaboration among healthcare professionals can help reduce risk while ensuring legitimate patient access to needed medications.

Gather Information Prior to Prescribing

One strategy that may help reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse is gathering relevant information before controlled substances are prescribed. Providers may consider reviewing a patient's medical and medication history, evaluating potential risk factors, and determining whether alternative treatment options may be appropriate.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), where available, can provide additional insight into a patient's controlled substance history and may help identify patterns such as multiple prescribers, overlapping prescriptions, or potentially dangerous drug combinations that warrant further evaluation.

Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Communication During Treatment

Medication safety often benefits from ongoing communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals involved in patient care. Prescribers may find value in communicating relevant treatment goals, rationale, and monitoring plans to other members of the care team.

Pharmacists can provide an additional layer of review by evaluating prescriptions and discussing concerns with prescribers when questions arise. For example, communication between primary care providers, emergency hospitals, specialty practices, and pharmacists may provide additional context when controlled substances are prescribed or dispensed.

Patient and Client Education

Patient and client education can serve as an important component of risk management. Healthcare professionals may consider discussing how medications are intended to be used, stored, and disposed of, along with potential adverse effects and when additional guidance may be helpful.

Conclusion

Reducing the risk of prescription drug misuse and diversion often involves the combined efforts of prescribers, dispensers, support staff, and patients. While no single strategy can eliminate risk, healthcare organizations and individual providers may benefit from emphasizing communication, collaboration, education, and continuous awareness.

Risk Management Actions to Consider

• Consider reviewing available prescription monitoring resources when prescribing controlled substances.
• Document clinical decision-making and relevant discussions related to controlled substance prescribing.
• Encourage communication among members of the healthcare team when questions or concerns arise.
• Discuss safe medication use, storage, and disposal practices with patients and clients.
• Review recurring requests for early refills, replacement prescriptions, or other unusual medication requests.
• Explore opportunities for periodic reviews of prescribing, dispensing, and inventory management practices.
• Follow all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to administering, dispensing, and prescribing medications.

References

• https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/hcp/clinical-guidance/prescription-drug-monitoring-programs.html
• https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/GDP/(DEA-DC-071)(EO-DEA226)_Practitioner's_Manual_(final).pdf

https://vetgirlontherun.com/the-use-of-controlled-substances-in-veterinary-medicine-with-dr-natalie-young-pharmd-facvp-vetgirl-veterinary-continuing-education-blog/