Program Reviews

SmartRx Web

Program Overview

SmartRx Web is an interactive web-based program designed to prevent the misuse of psychoactive prescription drugs.

Using narrations, animated graphics, and videos, SmartRx presents information on prescription drug use and abuse. The SmartRx program has three main sections focusing on medication facts, smart medication use, and nondrug options for managing health issues, which includes information on techniques like yoga and deep-breathing to improve health and well-being. Each section also contains self-assessments to provide patients with feedback on their own medication use and fitness.

Delivery:
Web-based

Theoretical Approaches:
Social Cognitive Theory

Target Substance(s):
Analgesics
Sedative
Stimulants
Antidepressants
Tranquilizers

Target Outcomes:
Knowledge
Self-efficacy
Medication adherence
Attitudes

Ages:
Young Adults (18-30)
Adults (30+)

Genders:
Female

Races/Ethnicities:
Unspecified

Setting:
Hospital

Geographic Location:
Unspecified

Country:
USA

Language:
English

Evaluations

  • Dietz DK, Cook RF, Hendrickson A. Substance Use and Misuse. 2011. 46: 678-686. PMID: 21043788.

    Summary: Female employees in two hospitals were invited to participate in this randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants (n=362) were randomized to either have immediate access to the SmartRx website, or to a wait-list control group. Participants in the SmartRx group had access to the program for 4 weeks. All participants completed an online, baseline survey about medication use, self-efficacy, attitudes, and interactions with physicians. These outcomes were assessed again at 6-months. At the 6-month follow-up, participants in the SmartRX group had greater knowledge about medications and greater gains in avoidance self-efficacy than the control group. No differences were found between groups on awareness of safe administration of prescriptions, physician-patient interactions, or knowledge of nondrug alternatives to promoting health. Additional analyses of items measuring drug problems indicated that participants completing the SmartRx program had lower drug misuse scores relative to those in the wait-list control group.

    Take Away: Use of the SmartRx Web program is associated with increased knowledge about safe psychoactive prescription medication usage in working women. Further research should examine whether this program may decrease personal prescription drug misuse.