Abstract

Controlled substance abuse is a common problem in the United States. While the number of controlled substance deaths or injuries is increasing, the number of controlled substance prescriptions is increasing as well. Many providers acknowledge controlled substance abuse as a problem in the United States, but it is unknown how often these providers are taking measures to prevent abuse of prescribed controlled substances. Although all controlled substances are not acquired by legal prescriptions, many are. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether nurse practitioners in Mississippi are using the prescription monitoring program (PMP) to assist in creating a reduction of such prescriptions and decrease prescription abuse. A quantitative study design was used by distribution of a survey on social media consisting of 13 questions. Fifty nurse practitioners completed the survey. The majority of these individuals reported using the PMP prior to writing prescriptions for controlled substances and basing decisions on whether or not to continue to prescribe these categories of medications on the information the PMP provided. The majority reported they are not referring patients for substance

abuse treatment based upon the findings of the PMP. Most respondents seem to be utilizing the prescription monitoring program appropriately by responding they utilize the PMP before prescribing opioids and that using the PMP has reduced the number of opioids they prescribe. This software appears effective in controlling the amount of such prescriptions. Substance abusers usually need treatment to assist them in ceasing use of controlled substances, and it seems that nurse practitioners in Mississippi may not be adequately acknowledging or referring these patients.

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-9-2019

First Advisor

Carey McCarter

Document Type

Thesis

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Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS