SafeScript Linked to Drop in Multiple Prescriber Use Across Victoria
22 Jun 2026
Researchers from Monash University analysed more than 6.7 million prescriptions issued to 810,000 patients between 2017 and 2023. The study found that when SafeScript was introduced voluntarily in 2019, there was an immediate 15% reduction in patients obtaining monitored medicines from four or more prescribers. The decline continued after the program became mandatory for Victorian GPs in 2020.
The research also revealed that 96% of multiple-prescriber cases occurred within the same clinic, while opioids were involved in 85% of these episodes.
RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine Chair Dr Hester Wilson said the findings highlight the value of SafeScript as a clinical support tool but stressed that patient care should remain the priority. She said alerts should lead to conversations, care planning and collaboration between healthcare providers, rather than abrupt medication changes that may place patients at risk.
Lead researcher Dr Louisa Picco said real-time prescribing information can improve continuity of care and support better health outcomes. She noted that sudden changes to treatment plans may increase the risk of overdose or lead some patients to seek illicit alternatives.
Victorian GP and addiction medicine specialist Dr Eric Hadinata described SafeScript as a useful safety tool rather than a definitive judgement on prescribing. He said monitoring programs work best when combined with accessible addiction treatment services and specialist support pathways.
The findings come as the Australian Government moves ahead with plans requiring telehealth-only prescribing services to automatically share medicines information through My Health Record from next year.
SafeScript Linked to Drop in Multiple Prescriber Use Across Victoria
Source: newsGP, Monash University