An Analysis of the Impact of Training on Prescriber Behavior in Nevada
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Authors
Lizaola, Marisol
Issue Date
2022
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
Behavior , Nevada , Prescriber , Training
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study seeks to examine the impact of prescriber training on prescriber behavior in Nevada. To determine the effectiveness of these training efforts, data from the Nevada State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) from 2018 to 2022 was gathered. Much of the research that centers on the national opioid crisis has primarily focused on overdose fatalities. While researching overdose fatalities is an important part of understanding the depth of the crisis, there are other topics surrounding the opioid crisis that have largely been understudied. While many prevention efforts focus on reducing overdose fatalities, prescribers and their responsibility to mitigate their contribution to the opioid crisis should remain a high priority. Under the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP) grant that was awarded to the City of Reno Police Department in 2018, some funds were allocated to providing multiple prescriber training events throughout the community surrounding the dangers of misuse and abuse of opioid related prescriptions. Prescribing patterns and trends in terms of pill quantities from pre and post training events were compared. Indications of dangerous and irregular prescription patterns include high levels of doses within a short period, high levels of doses with access to high refills, and the presence of an opioid, benzodiazepine, or stimulant. Other variables include high numbers of total pills, the number of pills per day, and the number of prescriptions per doctor. Dependent sample t-tests were conducted to measure the impact of the trainings on prescriber behavior regarding pill quantities. While the results showed little impact, this research sheds some light into the prescribing patterns and trends that directly impact the opioid crisis in the state of Nevada.