Which of the following is considered a primary goal of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP)?

Which of the following is considered a primary goal of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP)?

• A. Increasing medication affordability
• B. Preventing prescription drug misuse and abuse
• C. Educating patients about side effects
• D. Improving drug manufacturing processes

Answer: (B)

A primary goal of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is to prevent prescription drug misuse and abuse. PDMPs are state-run databases that track prescriptions of controlled substances. They help healthcare providers, including pharmacists, monitor patients' prescription history to identify potential cases of misuse, such as over-prescribing or doctor shopping—where a patient seeks prescriptions from multiple providers to obtain more controlled substances than they need. By providing a comprehensive record of a patient's prescribed medications, PDMPs empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding patient treatment, ultimately reducing the chances of addiction and abuse of prescription drugs. This proactive approach not only helps protect patients but also addresses broader public health concerns related to substance abuse and drug-related overdoses, which are significant issues in many communities. The other options focus on different aspects of healthcare that, while important, do not align with the specific preventive and monitoring goals set by PDMPs. For instance, increasing medication affordability, educating patients about side effects, and improving drug manufacturing processes are all worthwhile objectives in healthcare but do not directly pertain to the monitoring and regulation of medication use and potential abuse.

A primary goal of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) is to prevent prescription drug misuse and abuse. PDMPs are state-run databases that track prescriptions of controlled substances. They help healthcare providers, including pharmacists, monitor patients' prescription history to identify potential cases of misuse, such as over-prescribing or doctor shopping—where a patient seeks prescriptions from multiple providers to obtain more controlled substances than they need.

By providing a comprehensive record of a patient's prescribed medications, PDMPs empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding patient treatment, ultimately reducing the chances of addiction and abuse of prescription drugs. This proactive approach not only helps protect patients but also addresses broader public health concerns related to substance abuse and drug-related overdoses, which are significant issues in many communities.

The other options focus on different aspects of healthcare that, while important, do not align with the specific preventive and monitoring goals set by PDMPs. For instance, increasing medication affordability, educating patients about side effects, and improving drug manufacturing processes are all worthwhile objectives in healthcare but do not directly pertain to the monitoring and regulation of medication use and potential abuse.