Perspectives on Research Priorities for Linked Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Data: A Survey

Abstract Background: In addition to its clinical value in supporting prescribing decisions, Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data is important for surveillance and research. PDMP data has been used to conduct varied research related to prescribed controlled substances, including topics in epidemiology, addiction, and health services research. There is rich potential to gain further insight by linking PDMP data to additional data resources that include biological, social, environmental, and other variables.The focus of this study was to identify priority research topics, along with examples of research questions, that could be addressed using linked prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data which we defined as PDMP data linked to other large clinical, public health or administrative data sets. Methods: We surveyed researchers affiliated with any of three research-engaged Utah universities, using a web-based survey distributed by e-mail. The survey included demographic questions and questions pertaining to research use of linked PDMP data, generating both structured and free text responses. Results: The response rate was 11.9% (47/395), and the completion rate was 85.1% (40/ 47). Respondents identified research value corresponding to ten themes reflecting specific domains of discovery and cross-cutting value for research. Respondents support routine linkage of multiple data sources, including new, currently unlinked data sources. They identified multiple high-priority research questions corresponding to eight thematic categories. Conclusions: Respondents readily identified multiple points of research value, including specific research topics across the translational spectrum, and overall value in establishing a complete record of prescription drug use for populations and individuals. High-priority research questions related to varied dimensions of prescription drug misuse, including its relationship to health outcomes, and advancement of prevention and intervention strategies.