Healthcare Professional Surveys to Investigate the Implementation of the Isotretinoin Pregnancy Prevention Programme: a Descriptive Study

Objective: Three online surveys explored compliance with the PPP by pharmacists and dermatologists, in the Netherlands. In 2007 and 2011, two pharmacist surveys were conducted to assess improvement over time.

Methods: In 2007, survey was sent to members of the Utrecht Pharmacy Panel for Education & Research (UPPER) network (n = 1000) and in 2011, to the research group of the Dutch Association of Pharmacists (KNMP) (n = 556). In 2010, a survey was sent to 564 dermatologists of the Dutch Association of Dermatology and Venereology (NVDV).

Results: Both pharmacists' questionnaires had response rates of 20% and the dermatologist questionnaire of 28%. Pharmacists' checks on 30-day dispensing remained 82%, but a check whether the prescription is out-of-date decreased (61 to 53%). Pharmacists asked the patient for a negative pregnancy test in 15%, but use of contraception was checked by 44 - 49%. One hundred and five dermatologists (64%) always prescribe contraception; 35 (22%) occasionally. Ninety-three percent of the dermatologists were of the opinion that they performed the PPP. Analysis of different elements of the PPP showed that 41 (25%) were compliant.

Conclusions: The observed non-adherence to the isotretinoin PPP calls for careful evaluation of risk minimisation plans and participation of all stakeholders in the development of these plans.