Using Pharmacy Surveillance Information Systems to Monitor the Dispensing Practice of Under-Controlled Drugs: A Qualitative Study on Necessities, Requirements, and Implementation Challenges

The food and drug administration (FDA) usually monitors drug dispensing practices to manage their resources. Despite advances in information technology, traditional paper-based processes are used for this purpose in several low and middle income countries. This study aimed to determine the necessities, requirements, and implementation challenges of using pharmacy surveillance information systems (PSISs) to monitor the dispensing practice of under-controlled drugs and substances. This qualitative study was conducted in 2021. The population of the study was 16 FDA managers and pharmacy owners and pharmacy information systems (PIS) users in Iran. First, data collection was performed through open-ended, semi-structured interviews. Then, a focus group including experts in pharmacology, health information management, medical informatics, and information technology reviewed and confirmed the necessities, requirements, users' information needs, and implementation challenges of the PSIS. The results of the study showed that improving safety, conducting utilization management, reducing doctor shopping, and supporting patients were the most important reasons to monitor the dispensing practice of under-controlled drugs. The participants believed that the electronic monitoring of the dispensing of under-controlled drugs is essential and can increase the accuracy, timeliness, and ease of performing relevant processes. Based on the participants’ opinions, registering the data related to patients, prescribers, prescriptions, and pharmacies is necessary. The system should have functionalities to prevent illegal events and generate timely and updated reports. Resistance of stakeholders and shortage of infrastructure were identified as the main challenges for the implementation. Improving safety and supporting patients necessitate monitoring the dispensing practice of under-controlled drugs. To monitor this important practice, using a PSIS is necessary and it can support and facilitate the related processes.