Date of Award

2021

Degree Name

Healthcare Administration

College

College of Business

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Dr. Alberto Coustasse

Abstract

Introduction: Controlled substances have been described as pharmaceuticals or illegal medicines that act primarily on the central nervous system and could cause physical and mental dependence, eventually leading to addiction. Prescription opioids were a significant contributor to the opioid epidemic, accounting for more than 70,000 opioid-related overdose deaths, including illicit and prescription opioids, between 2018 and 2019. The Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS) initiative recently aimed to reduce rates of prescription opioid addiction, abuse, diversion, and death. The system for controlled substances had become more widely used as providers and governments trying to combat the opioid problem. Because of its ability to prevent prescription forgery and identify multiple prescribers of prescribing and dispensing, e-prescribing for controlled substance (EPCS) had been believed to improve pain management and could play a key role in addressing the growing public health crisis of controlled substance abuse and overdose

Methodology: This research methodology involved a study of literature comprising several literature reviews. Six electronic databases were employed in the search. Overall, sources were thoroughly selected and referenced. The semi-structured interview was also carried with the provider working with the EPCS system in the Hospital.

Results: The literature analysis considered disparate studies relevant to the association of electronic prescription in controlled substances used. There was a mixed result; however, following the investigation of the review, and expertise interview the results have shown that utilization of the EPCS had the potential to detect and prevent opioid diversion by eliminating paper prescriptions and could improve healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency while also lowering drug costs.

Discussion/Conclusion: Providers who have been prescribing controlled medications should develop prescription methods that reduce or prevent adverse effects from avoiding misuse. With the central coordination and clinical leadership, meaningful reductions in opioid overprescribing are possible and sustainable without decreasing patient satisfaction.

Subject(s)

Health services administration.

Narcotics -- Overdose -- Prevention.

Pharmacology -- Technological innovations.

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