Pharmacy computer prescription databases: methodologic issues of access and confidentiality.
OBJECTIVE
To examine methodologic issues of access and confidentiality regarding the use of pharmacy computer prescription databases (PCPDs) for participant selection to receive mailed, self-administered, hypertensive quality-of-life survey outside a primary-care setting.


METHODS
Two separate PCPD searches by pharmacist owners for patients prescribed at least one of 130 potential antihypertensive medications. The first PCPD used a nonrandom sample of all patients (n = 635); the second PCPD used a random sample (n = 100) of three specific antihypertensive drug groups. Research protocol was approved by the investigators' institutional review board.


METHODS
Two independent, privately owned PCPDs.


METHODS
Individuals prescribed at least 1 of 130 PCPD medications potentially used in antihypertensive treatment.


METHODS
Individually addressed cover letter on pharmacy letterhead signed by a pharmacist requesting voluntary completion of the enclosed, self-administered, opinion survey on quality of life.


METHODS
Anonymous survey return to off-site post office box in envelope provided.


RESULTS
Favorable or no opposition to PCPD methodology from pharmacist or participants. Ethical opposition was encountered when incorporating PCPD sampling technique into grant proposal.


CONCLUSIONS
The American Pharmaceutical Association Code of Ethics is used as a basis to provide recommendations to examine and justify PCPD investigative use. Increasing availability of PCPD technology encourages more efficient and easier methods of research strategy. PCPD use, however, demands identical stringent guidelines used in traditional research and raises potential issues regarding pharmacist-patient confidentiality as well as the right of PCPD use by others.
Beto
J A
JA
University of Chicago, IL.
Geraci
M C
MC
Marshall
P A
PA
Bansal
V K
VK
D016303:Clinical Pharmacy Information Systems / Q000592:standards*; D003219:Confidentiality; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004994:Ethics, Pharmacy; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States