Back
Science

Victorian Prescription Monitoring Program Linked to Reduction in Patients Receiving Medicines from Multiple Prescribers

Generated on: Last updated: 2 sources
View source

Study: Victoria’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Linked to Drop in High-Risk Prescribing

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has examined the effects of Victoria's prescription drug monitoring program, SafeScript, on high-risk prescribing patterns. The research found an association between the program and a decrease in patients receiving monitored medicines from multiple prescribers.

Study Scope and Methods

The study analyzed more than 6.7 million prescriptions issued to over 810,000 patients between 2017 and 2023. Conducted by researchers from Monash University and published on June 22, 2026, the study compared prescription patterns before and after the implementation of SafeScript.

Key Findings

  • Reduction in Multiple Prescribers: After the voluntary introduction of SafeScript in April 2019, there was a 15% reduction in the number of patients receiving monitored medicines from four or more prescribers. This decline was sustained after mandatory use of the program began in April 2020.

  • Location of Prescribing: The research showed that 96% of cases involving multiple prescribers occurred within the same clinic.

  • Medication Types: Among episodes involving multiple prescribers, 85% included at least one prescription for opioids.

  • Patient Demographics: Before SafeScript implementation, patients who were older, male, living in metropolitan areas, or who had documented substance use disorders were more likely to have multiple prescribers.

"The research found an association between the program and a decrease in patients receiving monitored medicines from multiple prescribers."

Expert Commentary and Context

The research team, led by Dr. Louisa Picco, noted the importance of gradual, patient-centred approaches when using such monitoring systems.

Dr. Hester Wilson, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Addiction Medicine, and Dr. Eric Hadinata, a Victorian GP and addiction medicine specialist, stated that SafeScript should be used to support clinical conversations with patients. They cautioned against abrupt discontinuation of medications, which could cause harm.

"SafeScript should be used to support clinical conversations with patients. Abrupt discontinuation of medications could cause harm."

The study was released alongside the Penington Institute's 2026 overdose snapshot, which reported that:

  • Opioids were the most common drug involved in unintentional deaths (41.9%)
  • Stimulant-related deaths had increased by 25.1% over the previous year

Separately, the Federal Government is progressing plans to require telehealth-only services to share patients' medication information with My Health Record by the following year.