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Hughes TD, Nowak J, Sottung E, Mustafa A, Lingechetty G. Empowering Pharmacists: Strategies for Addressing the Opioid Crisis through a Public Health Lens. PHARMACY 2024; 12:82. [PMID: 38921958 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12030082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid crisis in the US is a severe public health issue, prompting pharmacists to adopt various strategies for prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Despite progress, barriers persist. RESULTS This commentary examines five determinants of public health in relation to pharmacist-led interventions for the opioid crisis: individual behavior, social factors, policymaking, health service accessibility, and biological/genetic considerations. Pharmacists can influence individual behavior through education and support, address social determinants like stigma, advocate for policy changes, ensure health service accessibility, and personalize opioid prescriptions based on biological factors. CONCLUSION Pharmacists play a crucial role in addressing the opioid crisis by navigating these determinants. Pharmacists' engagement is essential for reducing opioid-related harms and improving public health outcomes through advocacy, service provision, and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamera D Hughes
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Juliet Nowak
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elizabeth Sottung
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Amira Mustafa
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Geetha Lingechetty
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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2
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Rao D, Mercy M, McAtee C, Ford JH, Shiyanbola OO. A scoping literature review of pharmacy-based opioid misuse screening and brief interventions. Res Social Adm Pharm 2023:S1551-7411(23)00253-X. [PMID: 37210240 PMCID: PMC10186861 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although prescription opioid dispensing rates have continued to decrease, overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Screening and brief interventions (SBI) are an effective prevention strategy to identify and address opioid misuse and safety risks. Emerging literature on pharmacy-based SBI needs to be systematically appraised to develop robust interventions. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the literature regarding pharmacy-based opioid misuse SBI to identify relevant literature that explore the topic, evaluate the patient-centeredness of included studies, and explore the use of dissemination and implementation science in the literature. METHODS The review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses -Scoping reviews (PRISMA-Sc) guidelines. We searched PubMed, CINHAL, PsychInfo, and Scopus for studies regarding pharmacy-based SBI, published in the last 20 years. We also conducted a separate grey literature search. Two of three total reviewers screened each abstract individually and identified eligible full-texts for inclusion. We critically appraised quality of included studies and qualitatively synthesized the relevant information. RESULTS The search resulted in 21 studies (categorized as intervention, descriptive, and observational research) and 3 grey literature reports. Of the recently published 21 studies, 11 were observational research, with six interventions in the pilot stages. Screening tools varied but naloxone was the brief intervention in 15 of the 24 results. Only eight studies had high validity, reliability, and applicability and only five were patient-centered. Implementation science principles were addressed in eight studies (mainly interventions). Overall, the findings suggest high potential for evidence-based SBI to be successful. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the review suggested a strong lack of a patient-centered and implementation science-focused approach to designing pharmacy-based opioid misuse SBI. Findings suggest that a patient-centered, implementation focused approach is needed for effective and sustained pharmacy-based opioid misuse SBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Rao
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.
| | - Meg Mercy
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | | | - James H Ford
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.
| | - Olayinka O Shiyanbola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.
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3
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Nguyen T, Applewhite D, Cheung F, Jacob S, Mitchell E. Implementation of a multidisciplinary inpatient opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution program at a large academic medical center. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:2253-2260. [PMID: 36075057 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DISCLAIMER In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE Opioid overdose-related deaths continue to rise. Despite public health efforts, there is still variability in obtainment of naloxone, a lifesaving antidote. We share our experience in the implementation of a novel opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) program at a large academic medical center. METHODS Collaborative efforts by pharmacists, pharmacy students, physicians, nurses, and recovery coaches were employed in the design of the program. The service was available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and primarily carried out by pharmacy students on a rotating basis. Services offered included bedside delivery of naloxone and education prior to the day of discharge. In preparation for their role, the pharmacy students were required to complete a series of trainings and competency assessments. RESULTS A total of 40 patients were included in the program evaluation. Of the completed consults 96.7% (n = 30) of patients received both counseling and naloxone delivery. Eighty percent of patients had a history of nonfatal opioid overdose, but only 37.5% had naloxone listed as a home medication. Fifteen percent of patients had patient-directed discharges but still received OEND services. CONCLUSION Implementation of an inpatient OEND program by mobilizing trained student pharmacists is feasible and expands naloxone access to patients during transitions of care. A similar model could be considered in the future for the delivery of harm reduction supplies to this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- TuTran Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dinah Applewhite
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fiona Cheung
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Jacob
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elisabeth Mitchell
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Pollini RA, Slocum S, Ozga JE, Joyce R, Xuan Z, Green TC, Walley AY. Pharmacy naloxone codispensing: A mixed methods study of practices and perspectives under a statewide standing order program. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1546-1554. [PMID: 35450833 PMCID: PMC9464657 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous statewide naloxone purchase trial conducted in Massachusetts, we documented high levels of naloxone accessibility, upon patient request, under the state's naloxone standing order (NSO) program. Equally important for reducing overdose mortality rates is expanding naloxone access via codispensing alongside opioid prescription and syringe purchases at pharmacies. OBJECTIVE To understand naloxone codispensing from the perspective of pharmacists under the Massachusetts NSO program. METHODS The study used a mixed methods design involving 3 focus groups and a quantitative survey. Participants in both the focus groups (N = 27) and survey (N = 339) were licensed Massachusetts pharmacists. Focus groups were conducted at 3 separate professional conferences for pharmacists. The survey was conducted using a stratified random sample of 400 chain and independent retail pharmacies across Massachusetts. All data were collected between September 2018 and November 2019. Quantitative and qualitative analyses examined current policies, practices, and attitudes regarding naloxone codispensing for patients at risk of opioid overdose. RESULTS Most pharmacists (69%) reported that they, their pharmacy, or both promoted codispensing alongside opioid prescriptions. A majority promoting naloxone codispensing did so for patients prescribed high opioid dosages (80%); fewer promoted codispensing for patients also prescribed benzodiazepines (20%). Facilitators to codispensing were pre-existing relationships between pharmacists and prescribers, mandatory pharmacist consultation, and universal naloxone promotion to all patients meeting certain criteria. Barriers to codispensing were pharmacists' concerns about offending patients by initiating a conversation about naloxone, insufficient technician training, workflow and resource constraints, and misconceptions surrounding naloxone. We found no substantive differences in outcomes between chain and independent pharmacies. CONCLUSION We documented several facilitators and barriers to naloxone codispensing in Massachusetts pharmacies. Areas amenable to intervention include increased training for front-line pharmacy technicians, mandatory pharmacist consultation for opioid-prescribed patients, workflow reorganization, and addressing stigma concerns on the pharmacist end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin A. Pollini
- Associate Professor (pollini), Research Associate (Slocum), Postdoctoral Fellow (Ozga), and Project Coordinator (Joyce), Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown WV
- Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University
| | - Susannah Slocum
- Associate Professor (pollini), Research Associate (Slocum), Postdoctoral Fellow (Ozga), and Project Coordinator (Joyce), Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown WV
| | - Jenny E. Ozga
- Associate Professor (pollini), Research Associate (Slocum), Postdoctoral Fellow (Ozga), and Project Coordinator (Joyce), Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown WV
| | - Rebecca Joyce
- Associate Professor (pollini), Research Associate (Slocum), Postdoctoral Fellow (Ozga), and Project Coordinator (Joyce), Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown WV
| | - Ziming Xuan
- Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston MA
| | - Traci C. Green
- Professor, The Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, Institute of Behavioral Health, Heller School for Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Professor, Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA
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5
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Adeosun SO. Stigma by Association: To what Extent is the Attitude Toward Naloxone Affected by the Stigma of Opioid Use Disorder? J Pharm Pract 2022:8971900221097173. [PMID: 35505618 DOI: 10.1177/08971900221097173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The United States opioid epidemic is fueled by illicit opioid abuse and prescription opioid misuse and abuse. Consequently, cases of opioid use disorder (OUD, opioid addiction), opioid overdose, and related deaths have increased since the year 2000. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses opioid intoxication to prevent death from overdose. It is one of the major risk mitigation strategies recommended in the 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. However, despite the exponential increase in dispensing and distribution of naloxone, opioid overdose and related deaths have continued to increase; suggesting that the increased naloxone supply still lags the need. This discordance is attributed at least in part to the negative attitude toward naloxone, which is based on the belief that naloxone is only meant for "addicts" and "abusers" (OUD patients). This negative attitude or so-called naloxone stigma is therefore considered a major barrier for naloxone distribution and consequently, overdose-death prevention efforts. This article presents evidence that challenges common assertions about OUD stigma being the sole and direct driving force behind naloxone stigma, and the purported magnitude of the barrier that naloxone stigma constitutes for naloxone distribution programs among the stakeholders (patients, pharmacists, and prescribers). The case was then made to operationalize and quantify the construct among the stakeholders to determine the extent to which OUD stigma drives naloxone stigma, and the relative impact of naloxone stigma as a barrier for naloxone distribution efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel O Adeosun
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, 465018High Point University, High Point NC, US
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6
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Slocum S, Ozga JE, Joyce R, Walley AY, Pollini RA. If we build it, will they come? Perspectives on pharmacy-based naloxone among family and friends of people who use opioids: a mixed methods study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:735. [PMID: 35418048 PMCID: PMC9006069 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding access to the opioid antagonist naloxone to reduce overdose mortality is a public health priority in the United States. Naloxone standing orders (NSOs) have been established in many states to increase naloxone dispensing at pharmacies, but increased pharmacy access does not ensure optimal uptake among those likely to witness an overdose. In a prior statewide purchase trial, we documented high levels of naloxone access at Massachusetts pharmacies under a statewide NSO. In this study, we characterize barriers to pharmacy-based naloxone uptake among potential opioid overdose "bystanders" (friends or family of people who use opioids) that may be amenable to intervention. METHODS Eligible bystanders were Massachusetts residents ≥ 18 years of age, did not use illicit opioids in the past 30 days, and knew someone who currently uses illicit opioids. We used a sequential mixed methods approach, in which a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews (N = 22) were conducted April-July 2018, to inform the development of a subsequent quantitative survey (N = 260), conducted February-July 2020. RESULTS Most survey participants (77%) reported ever obtaining naloxone but few (21%) attempted to purchase it at a pharmacy. Qualitative participants revealed that barriers to utilizing the NSO included low perceived risk of overdose, which was rooted in misconceptions regarding the risks of prescription opioid misuse, denial about their loved one's drug use, and drug use stereotypes; inaccurate beliefs about the impact of naloxone on riskier opioid use; and concerns regarding anticipated stigma and confidentiality. Many participants had engaged in mutual support groups, which served as a source of free naloxone for half (50%) of those who had ever obtained naloxone. CONCLUSIONS Despite high levels of pharmacy naloxone access in Massachusetts, few bystanders in our study had attempted to obtain naloxone under the NSO. Low perceived risk of overdose, misinformation, stigma, and confidentiality were important barriers to pharmacy naloxone uptake, all of which are amenable to intervention. Support groups provided a setting for addressing stigma and misinformation and provided a discreet and comfortable setting for naloxone access. Where these groups do not exist and for bystanders who do not participate in such groups, pharmacies are well-positioned to fill gaps in naloxone availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Slocum
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jenny E Ozga
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Rebecca Joyce
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.,Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research Education Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robin A Pollini
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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7
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Hohmeier KC, Cernasev A, Desselle S, Canedo J, Stewart S, Wheeler J. Exploring the Lived Experiences of Pharmacy Technicians and the Opioid Epidemic, Opioid Use, and Opioid Use Disorder. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1338-1343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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8
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Green TC, Bratberga J, Irwin AN, Boggisb J, Gray M, Leichtling G, Bolivar D, Floyd A, Al-Jammali Z, Arnold J, Hansen R, Hartung D. Study protocol for the Respond to Prevent Study: a multi-state randomized controlled trial to improve provision of naloxone, buprenorphine and nonprescription syringes in community pharmacies. Subst Abus 2022; 43:901-905. [PMID: 35213293 PMCID: PMC9720900 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.2010162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Access to the opioid antidote naloxone is a critical component of addressing the opioid crisis. Naloxone is a population-level prevention intervention associated with substantial reductions in overdose mortality and reduction of nonfatal overdose. Pharmacies' pivotal role in dispensing medications like buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder and selling nonprescription syringes places them at the crossroads of opioid access and risk mitigation methods like naloxone provision. Testing ways to optimize pharmacy-based naloxone provision will be key as the country expands the implementation of naloxone through the medical system. In the Respond to Prevent Study, we conducted a large, practical study of a pharmacy-focused intervention in a sample of Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts and New Hampshire community chain pharmacies to increase naloxone dispensing and improve opioid safety. The intervention integrated two evidence-based educational toolkits and streamlined materials to enhance the focus on naloxone policy, stigma reduction, and patient communications around naloxone, nonprescription syringes and buprenorphine access. The real-world study implemented a stepped wedge, clustered randomized trial design across 175 community chain pharmacies to evaluate the effectiveness of the Respond to Prevent intervention in increasing: (a) pharmacy based naloxone distribution rates, naloxone-related patient engagement, and pharmacist and technicians' attitudes, knowledge, perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy toward naloxone; and (b) pharmacy nonprescription syringe sales, and pharmacist and technicians' attitudes, knowledge, perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy toward dispensing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (secondary outcomes). This commentary provides a brief narrative about the study and presents insights on the design and adaptations to our study protocol, including those adopted during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic further compounded by Western wildfires in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci C Green
- Brandeis University, Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, 415 South Street, Heller-Brown Building, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| | - Jeffrey Bratberga
- University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881 USA
| | - Adriane N Irwin
- Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, 1601 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA
| | - Jesse Boggisb
- Brandeis University, Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, 415 South Street, Heller-Brown Building, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| | - Mary Gray
- Comagine Health, 650 NE Holladay St # 1700, Portland, OR 97232 USA
| | | | - Derek Bolivar
- Brandeis University, Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, 415 South Street, Heller-Brown Building, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| | - Anthony Floyd
- University of Washington, University of Washington, Box 357631, H364 Health Sciences Building, Seattle WA 98195-7631 USA
| | - Zain Al-Jammali
- Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, 1601 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA
| | - Jenny Arnold
- Washington State Pharmacy Association, 411 Williams Ave S, Renton, WA 98057 USA
| | - Ryan Hansen
- University of Washington, University of Washington, Box 357631, H364 Health Sciences Building, Seattle WA 98195-7631 USA
| | - Daniel Hartung
- Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, 1601 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331 USA
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9
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Cruz TH, Bachyrycz A, Rodriguez DE, Ma X, Roberts MH, Chambers S, Rafi J, Sanchez A, Bakhireva L. CONSIDER New Mexico: Effects of naloxone training among pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 62:757-765. [PMID: 35016857 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists serve a critical role in providing health care, especially in medically underserved areas. Despite the opioid crisis and legislation in most states allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription from another provider, pharmacists face multiple barriers to dispensing naloxone. OBJECTIVE This study tested the effectiveness of CONSIDER New Mexico, an innovative educational initiative designed to increase naloxone dispensing by pharmacies. METHODS A quasi-experimental study was conducted in New Mexico in 2019-2020. Community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were recruited from a purposive sample of pharmacies. Data were collected through pre- and postintervention surveys with 65 pharmacists and 44 technicians from 49 pharmacies. Data analysis included hybrid fixed-effects regression models of variables associated with pre-post intervention change in intent to dispense naloxone and generalized least squares with maximum likelihood estimation for pre-post intervention change in naloxone dispensing. RESULTS Positive intervention effects were observed for measures of normative beliefs, self-efficacy, and intent to dispense naloxone (P < 0.05). Changes in normative beliefs and self-efficacy were associated with greater intent to offer naloxone to patients (P < 0.05). In addition, the median number of naloxone prescriptions dispensed per month increased 3.5 times after intervention. A statistically significant positive association was observed between the intervention and naloxone dispensing after adjusting for other factors (P < 0.001). Pharmacies providing more than 4 additional health services were more likely to increase naloxone dispensing postintervention than pharmacies offering not more than 2 services (P < 0.01). This difference averaged 19 naloxone prescriptions per month. Estimated change in dispensing postintervention was statistically significantly lower at independent, clinic-based, and other pharmacies where an average of 36 fewer naloxone prescriptions were dispensed per month compared with chain drug stores (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION The CONSIDER New Mexico intervention effectively increased self-efficacy, intent to dispense, and naloxone dispensing. Findings will inform future research examining widespread dissemination and implementation of the intervention and the sustainability of intervention effects.
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10
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Bennett AS, Elliott L. Naloxone's role in the national opioid crisis-past struggles, current efforts, and future opportunities. Transl Res 2021; 234:43-57. [PMID: 33684591 PMCID: PMC8327685 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 25 years, naloxone has emerged as a critical lifesaving overdose antidote. Public health advocates and community activists established early methods for naloxone distribution to people who inject drugs, but a legacy of stigmatization and opposition to universal naloxone access continues to limit the drug's full potential to reduce opioid-related mortality. The establishment of naloxone distribution programs under the umbrella of syringe exchange programs faces the same practical, ideological and financial barriers to expansion similar to those faced by syringe exchange programs themselves. The expansion of naloxone from the confines of a few syringe exchange programs to what we see today represents an enormous triumph for the grass-roots activists, service providers, and public health professionals who have fought to guarantee lay access to naloxone. Despite the extensive efforts to expand access to naloxone, naloxone continues to remains a scarce resource in many US localities. Considerable naloxone "deserts" remain and even where there is naloxone access, it does not always reach those at risk. Promising areas for expansion include the development of more robust telehealth methods for naloxone distribution, including subsidized mail delivery programs; lowering barriers to pharmacy access; working with hospitals, ambulances, and law enforcement to expand naloxone "leave behind" programs; providing naloxone co-prescription with medications for opioid use disorder; and working with prisons, shelters, and networks of people who use drugs to increase access to the lifesaving medication. Efforts to ensure over-the-counter and low- or no-cost naloxone are ongoing and stand alongside medication-assisted treatments as efficacious, readily-actionable, and cost-efficient population-level interventions available for combatting opioid-related overdose in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Bennett
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York.
| | - Luther Elliott
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York
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11
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Pharmacy Technicians, Stigma, and Compassion Fatigue: Front-Line Perspectives of Pharmacy and the US Opioid Epidemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126231. [PMID: 34207590 PMCID: PMC8296092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to a quadrupling of opioid overdoses since the 1990s. Stigmas exist among healthcare professionals, and it is essential to educate the next generation of pharmacy technicians regarding opioid use disorder. The main objective of this study was to characterize the phenomenon of stigma through the pharmacy technician lens when taking care of patients who are using opioid medications. Grounded in Van Manen’s phenomenological approach and the Link and Phelan stigmatization model, a qualitative study was conducted from February to June 2020 to understand pharmacy technicians’ perceptions and attitudes towards patients using opioid medications. Focus groups (n = 46) with pharmacy technicians were conducted in-person and online over five months in 2020. Thematic analysis identified three themes that characterize the stigma and the relationship between pharmacy technicians and patients taking opioid medications: (1) pharmacy technician perspectives on stigma and patients with addictive opioid-use behavior; (2) current approaches of pharmacy technicians towards patients with addictive opioid-use behavior; (3) future approaches of pharmacy technicians towards patients with addictive opioid-use behavior. The findings highlight an “ever-present” negative connotation associated with the stigma that is formed from patient interaction. It is necessary to develop proper resources and educational materials to manage the stigma that exists in pharmacies throughout the nation. These resources will facilitate how to address and prevent the stigma among pharmacy technicians in the U.S.
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12
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Green TC, Stopka T, Xuan Z, Davis TC, Boggis J, Irwin AN, Gray M, Hartung DM, Bratberg J. Examining nonprescription syringe sales in Massachusetts and Rhode Island community pharmacies. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 61:e237-e241. [PMID: 33820716 PMCID: PMC8827136 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The role pharmacies play in addressing the opioid crisis and drug-related risks such as injection drug use is evolving. Estimating the prevalence of injection drug use at the community level is challenging because of the stigma of drug use. Many community pharmacies sell nonprescription sterile syringes; thus, pharmacy-level sales of injection equipment may be an indicator of drug-related harms and unmet needs of high-risk populations. Objectives: To describe, compare, and assess the convergent validity of staff-reported nonprescription syringe (NPS) sales volume and NPS administrative sales data from community pharmacies in Massachusetts (MA) and Rhode Island (RI). Methods: This study employed both prospective cross-sectional survey data collection and utilization of administrative pharmacy sales data. Between November 2017 and January 2018, we administered a telephone-based survey to estimate average weekly NPS type and volume for 191 chain pharmacies (CVS Health) located in communities experiencing fatal opioid overdoses above the state’s 2015 annual median rate. For the same time period, we obtained NPS sales data from surveyed pharmacies and all CVS Health pharmacies in the 2 states. We calculated Spearman correlations to assess convergence of average weekly volume between pharmacy staff reports and sales data. Results: All pharmacies responded to the survey. Most (98.4%) pharmacies surveyed sold NPS, but 42.0% reported running out of stock monthly or more frequently. Pharmacy staff tended to under-report syringe sales. Staff-reported weekly NPS sales volume was 67,922 versus 70,962 syringes from administrative pharmacy sales data. Spearman correlation between reported and actual NPS sales was 0.40 (95% CI 0.27e0.51). Conclusion: The counts of administrative pharmacy syringe sales data in MA and RI indicate high need, substantial volume, and notable access at community pharmacies. Future research should use NPS sales data rather than self-report data to track emerging trends and tailor local responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci C. Green
- Correspondence: Traci C. Green, PhD, MSc, Professor and Director, Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Main St., MS035, Waltham MA 02454. (T.C. Green)
| | - Thomas Stopka
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Ziming Xuan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Tyler C. Davis
- Pharmacy Professional Practice Standards, CVS Health, Woonsocket, RI
| | - Jesse Boggis
- Heller School for Social Policy & Management at Brandeis University, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
| | - Adriane N. Irwin
- Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
| | | | - Daniel M. Hartung
- Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
| | - Jeffrey Bratberg
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
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Santa HM, Amirova SG, Ventricelli DJ, Downs GE, Nowalk AA, Pringle JL, Aruru M. Preparing pharmacists to increase naloxone dispensing within community pharmacies under the Pennsylvania standing order. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 78:327-335. [PMID: 33336254 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Opioid misuse and overdose deaths remain a public health concern in the United States. Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths in the country, with Philadelphia County's being 3 times higher than the national average. Despite several multimodal interventions, including use of SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment) methods and naloxone distribution, the rate of overdose deaths remains high. METHODS To gain insights on strategies for improving access to naloxone and naloxone distribution by pharmacists in Philadelphia County, a study was conducted in 11 community pharmacies (chain and independent) in Philadelphia. Twenty-four pharmacists were recruited and completed SBIRT and naloxone trainings. Each pharmacy elected to have at least 1 pharmacy champion who received additional training on and helped develop pharmacy site-specific naloxone dispensing protocols. RESULTS Pre-post survey results showed a reduction in stigmatizing attitudes regarding naloxone dispensing and an increase in pharmacists' understanding of the standing order and appropriate naloxone use. There was an increase in pharmacists' self-reported confidence in their ability to appropriately identify, discuss, and dispense naloxone to patients. All pharmacies increased their average monthly dispensing rate following protocol implementation. CONCLUSION Pharmacists who received both trainings were more likely to change naloxone dispensing practices, leading to an overall increase in naloxone dispensing by community pharmacists. The study addressed overall gaps in pharmacists' knowledge, reduced stigma, and prepared pharmacists to address opioid use and overdose prevention with their patients. The described pharmacist-led patient counseling and intervention service for overdose prevention may be explored as a model for other community pharmacies to adopt to improve naloxone dispensing and similar interventions to reduce overdose deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Santa
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU), University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Samira G Amirova
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU), University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - George E Downs
- Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alexandra A Nowalk
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU), University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Janice L Pringle
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU), University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Meghana Aruru
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU), University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA
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14
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Donovan E, Bratberg J, Baird J, Burstein D, Case P, Walley AY, Green TC. Pharmacy leaders' beliefs about how pharmacies can support a sustainable approach to providing naloxone to the community. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:1493-1497. [PMID: 31983625 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naloxone is an antidote to opioid overdose, and community pharmacies nationwide now provide broad access to this medication. OBJECTIVE The aim of this qualitative study was to understand how leaders in pharmacy organizations perceive pharmacies and pharmacy staff can optimize dispensing of naloxone. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 pharmacy leaders in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Participants were recruited from three types of community pharmacies: (1) chain; (2) independent; and (3) hospital outpatient. Theory-driven immersion crystallization, using Brownlee et al.'s model of healthcare quality improvement, was used to inform coding of the interview data, with predetermined categories of staff; organization; and process. RESULTS Five main themes were identified: (1) Importance of staff training to increase comfort; (2) Strength through coordination of efforts; (3) Pharmacy as a community leader in the opioid crisis; (4) Persisting stigma; and (5) Ongoing workflow challenges. CONCLUSIONS The results uniquely reflect the experiences and insights of pharmacy leaders implementing public health initiatives during the opioid crisis and can be used for gaining insight into how pharmacists can efficiently provide naloxone to their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Janette Baird
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Dina Burstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Patricia Case
- Institute for Urban Health Research and Practice, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Y Walley
- Clinical Addiction Research Education Unit, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Traci C Green
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Boston Medical Center Injury Prevention Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Green TC, Donovan E, Klug B, Case P, Baird J, Burstein D, Tapper A, Walley AY, Bratberg J. Revisiting pharmacy-based naloxone with pharmacists and naloxone consumers in 2 states: 2017 perspectives and evolving approaches. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 60:740-749. [PMID: 32334964 PMCID: PMC10948012 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pharmacies provide accessible sources of naloxone to caregivers, patients taking opioids, and individuals using drugs. While laws permit expanded pharmacy naloxone access, prior work identified barriers like concerns about stigma of addiction and time constraints that inhibit scale-up. We sought to examine similarities and differences in experiences obtaining naloxone at the pharmacy over a 1-year period in 2 states, and to explore reactions from people with opioid use disorder, patients taking opioids for chronic pain, caregivers of opioid users, and pharmacists to communication tools and patient outreach materials designed to improve naloxone uptake. DESIGN Eight focus groups (FGs) held December 2016 to April 2017 in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Participants were recruited from pharmacies, health clinics, and community organizations; pharmacists were recruited from professional organizations and pharmacy colleges. OUTCOME MEASURES The FGs were led by trained qualitative researchers using a topic guide and prototypes designed for input. Five analysts applied a coding scheme to transcripts. Thematic analysis involved synthesis of coded data and connections between themes, with comparisons across groups and to first-year findings. RESULTS A total of 56 individuals participated: patients taking opioids for chronic pain (n = 13), people with opioid use disorders (n = 15), caregivers (n = 13), and pharmacists (n = 16). Fear of future consequences and stigma in the pharmacy was a prominent theme from the previous year. Four new themes emerged: experience providing pharmacy naloxone, clinician-pharmacist-partnered approaches, naloxone coprescription, and fentanyl as motivator for pharmacy naloxone. Prototypes for prompting consumers about naloxone availability, materials facilitating naloxone conversations, and posters designed to address stigma were well received. CONCLUSIONS Experiences dispensing naloxone are quickly evolving, and a greater diversity of patients are obtaining pharmacy naloxone. Persistent stigma-related concerns underscore the need for tools to help pharmacists offer naloxone, facilitate patient requests, and provide reassurance when getting naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci C. Green
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick St. 2 Floor, Providence, RI 02903, United States
- Boston Medical Center Injury Prevention Center, Boston Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, 771 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | | | - Brittany Klug
- Boston Medical Center Injury Prevention Center, Boston Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, 771 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Patricia Case
- Northeastern University, Institute on Urban Health Research and Policy, Bouve College of Health Sciences,360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Janette Baird
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick St. 2 Floor, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Dina Burstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick St. 2 Floor, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Abigail Tapper
- Boston Medical Center Injury Prevention Center, Boston Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, 771 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Alexander Y. Walley
- Boston Medical Center, Boston Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Jeffrey Bratberg
- University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, United States
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Abstract
Across all care environments, pharmacists play an essential role in the care of people who use and misuse psychoactive substances, including those diagnosed with substance use disorders. To optimize, sustain, and expand these independent and collaborative roles, the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance Use and Addiction (AMERSA) has developed core competencies for pharmacists to address substance use in the 21st century. Key concepts, skills, and attitudes are outlined, with links to entrustable professional activities to assist with integration into a variety of ideally interdisciplinary curricular activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Bratberg
- Pharmacy Practice, University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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