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Salwan A, Mathis SM, Brooks B, Hagemeier NE, Tudiver F, Foster KN, Alamian A, Pack RP. A theoretical explanation of naloxone provision among primary care physicians and community pharmacists in Tennessee. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024:S1551-7411(24)00204-3. [PMID: 38981793 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.07.001] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing access to naloxone reduces opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Primary care and community pharmacy settings are critical access points, yet limited theoretical research has examined naloxone prescribing and dispensing behaviors. OBJECTIVES To determine if the theory of planned behavior (TPB) combined with theoretical constructs from communication science explains intentions to co-prescribe and discuss co-dispensing naloxone among primary care physicians and community pharmacists, respectively. METHODS This cross-sectional study surveyed cohorts of licensed primary care physicians and community pharmacists in Tennessee in 2017. Intentions were measured using profession-specific case vignettes, whereby they were asked given 10 similar patients, how many times (0-10) would they co-prescribe or discuss co-dispensing naloxone. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used. RESULTS The analytic sample included 295 physicians (response rate = 15.6 %) and 423 pharmacists (response rate = 19.4 %). Approximately 65 % of physicians reported never intending to co-prescribe naloxone (0 out of 10 patients), while 47 % of pharmacists reported never intending to discuss co-dispensing. All TPB constructs-attitudes (AOR = 1.32, CI = 1.16-1.50), subjective norms (AOR = 1.17, CI = 1.06-1.30), and perceived behavioral control (AOR 1.16, CI = 1.02-1.33)-were associated with an increased likelihood of pharmacists always (versus never) discussing co-dispensing. Similarly, two TPB constructs-attitudes (AOR = 1.41, CI = 1.19-1.68) and subjective norms (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.08-1.39)-were associated with an increased likelihood of physicians always co-prescribing. Among physicians only, one communication construct-self-perceived communication competence (AOR = 1.19, CI = 1.01-1.41)-was associated with an increased likelihood of always co-prescribing. CONCLUSION Findings support the value of theory, particularly TPB, in explaining primary care physician intentions to co-prescribe and community pharmacist intentions to discuss co-dispensing naloxone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Salwan
- Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
| | - Stephanie M Mathis
- College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Bill Brooks
- College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Nicholas E Hagemeier
- Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Fred Tudiver
- Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Kelly N Foster
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Arsham Alamian
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Robert P Pack
- College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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Light AE, Green TC, Freeman PR, Zadeh PS, Burns AL, Hill LG. Relationships Between Stigma, Risk Tolerance, and Buprenorphine Dispensing Intentions Among Community-Based Pharmacists: Results From a National Sample. SUBSTANCE USE & ADDICTION JOURNAL 2024; 45:211-221. [PMID: 38258805 DOI: 10.1177/29767342231215178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns have been raised that pharmacists sometimes act as barriers to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) accessing buprenorphine treatment. The present research explores how community pharmacists' endorsement (vs non-endorsement) of stigmatizing beliefs about patients taking buprenorphine relate to intentions, comfort, and decisions regarding dispensing buprenorphine for OUD. In addition, we assessed attitudes toward risk in pharmacy practice as a novel correlate of dispensing intentions and decisions. METHODS A sample of 207 active community-based pharmacists practicing in the United States responded to survey items measuring stigma, risk tolerance, and intentions to dispense buprenorphine. The survey included 2 vignettes in which patients presented to the pharmacy with a prescription for buprenorphine, and respondents rated their comfort with dispensing and decisions regarding dispensing in the vignette. RESULTS Results suggest that both stigma toward patients taking buprenorphine to treat OUD and tolerance for risk in pharmacy settings are related to differences in pharmacists' intentions to and willingness to dispense buprenorphine for OUD. CONCLUSIONS Findings support the need for interventions to reduce stigma associated with buprenorphine use among pharmacists and suggest that risk tolerance is an important determinant of pharmacists' behavior that merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anne L Burns
- American Pharmacists Association, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lucas G Hill
- The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Jarrett JB, Bratberg J, Burns AL, Cochran G, DiPaula BA, Dopp AL, Elmes A, Green TC, Hill LG, Homsted F, Hsia SL, Matthews ML, Ghitza UE, Wu LT, Bart G. Research Priorities for Expansion of Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in the Community Pharmacy. Subst Abus 2023; 44:264-276. [PMID: 37902032 PMCID: PMC10870734 DOI: 10.1177/08897077231203849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, the U.S. opioid overdose crisis has magnified, particularly since the introduction of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. Despite the benefits of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), only about a fifth of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the U.S. receive MOUD. The ubiquity of pharmacists, along with their extensive education and training, represents great potential for expansion of MOUD services, particularly in community pharmacies. The National Institute on Drug Abuse's National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (NIDA CTN) convened a working group to develop a research agenda to expand OUD treatment in the community pharmacy sector to support improved access to MOUD and patient outcomes. Identified settings for research include independent and chain pharmacies and co-located pharmacies within primary care settings. Specific topics for research included adaptation of pharmacy infrastructure for clinical service provision, strategies for interprofessional collaboration including health service models, drug policy and regulation, pharmacist education about OUD and OUD treatment, including didactic, experiential, and interprofessional curricula, and educational interventions to reduce stigma towards this patient population. Together, expanding these research areas can bring effective MOUD to where it is most needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie B. Jarrett
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bratberg
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Anne L. Burns
- American Pharmacists Association, Washington, DC, USA (retired)
| | - Gerald Cochran
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bethany A. DiPaula
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Abigail Elmes
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Traci C. Green
- COBER on Opioids and Overdose at Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Lucas G. Hill
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Stephanie L. Hsia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, San Francisco School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michele L. Matthews
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Udi E. Ghitza
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Center for the Clinical Trials Network (CCTN), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Li-Tzy Wu
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gavin Bart
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Pasqualini I, Rullán PJ, Deren M, Krebs VE, Molloy RM, Nystrom LM, Piuzzi NS. Team Approach: Use of Opioids in Orthopaedic Practice. JBJS Rev 2023; 11:01874474-202303000-00008. [PMID: 36972360 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.22.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
» The opioid epidemic represents a serious health burden on patients across the United States. » This epidemic is particularly pertinent to the field of orthopaedics because it is one of the fields providing the highest volume of opioid prescriptions. » The use of opioids before orthopaedic surgery has been associated with decreased patient-reported outcomes, increased surgery-related complications, and chronic opioid use. » Several patient-level factors, such as preoperative opioid consumption and musculoskeletal and mental health conditions, contribute to the prolonged use of opioids after surgery, and various screening tools for identifying high-risk drug use patterns are available. » The identification of these high-risk patients should be followed by strategies aimed at mitigating opioid misuse, including patient education, opioid use optimization, and a collaborative approach between health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Pasqualini
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
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Skaggs P, Bell SB, Scutchfield FD, Robinson LE. Providers' Stigmas and the Effects on Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF APPALACHIAN HEALTH 2023; 4:87-102. [PMID: 38026051 PMCID: PMC10655729 DOI: 10.13023/jah.0403.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction One of the most prevalent, dangerous stigmas in health care is the complex bias toward patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). This stigma damages the vital patient-provider relationship, further perpetuating the opioid epidemic. Purpose Unfortunately, research on the relationship between OUD and provider stigma is greatly lacking. To fill this gap, the present in-depth study undertakes a scoping review of research on providers' stigma toward OUD in order to determine how enacted stigma affects treatment plans. Methods Four databases were used to identify articles published from 1999 to 2021. A comprehensive search strategy was developed through a collaborative process between the researchers and a medical librarian. The researchers used the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and expanded upon by Levac et al.(2010) to chart study characteristics and themes. Results A total of 196 search items were retrieved. After de-duplication (n=31), remaining articles were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria detailed in the protocol. After both a title/abstract review and full-text review, an additional 158 articles were removed. This yielded a total of seven articles. Three main themes were identified in the literature: (1) rural-urban differences in bias; (2) provider concern regarding legal implications and regulatory concerns; and (3) the belief that OUD is a moral failing rather than a medical diagnosis. Implications Additional research should further analyze prescribed treatment plans for patients with OUD and utilize this information to create future considerations aimed at reducing opioid-related stigma in healthcare in Appalachia.
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Nichols MA, Kepley KL, Rosko KS, Hudmon KS, Curran GM, Ott CA, Snyder ME, Miller ML. Community pharmacist-provided opioid intervention frequencies and barriers. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:336-342. [PMID: 36369075 PMCID: PMC9942609 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacists are well-positioned to engage in opioid-related harm reduction activities (i.e., opioid interventions). However, several barriers to providing these interventions have been identified. Comparing the frequencies of opioid interventions and identifying which barriers are perceived to have the highest impact in providing interventions will yield valuable information for increasing opioid use disorder (OUD) care access within pharmacies. OBJECTIVES To (1) characterize the frequency of 9 opioid interventions in community practice settings and (2) assess community pharmacists' perceptions of what impact 15 key barriers have on providing opioid interventions. METHODS This was a multi-state, cross-sectional, and descriptive survey study. Opioid interventions evaluated included prevention (e.g., OUD screening) and treatment (e.g., OUD resource referral); barriers encompassed confidence and knowledge, work environment, provider interactions, and patient interactions. Respondents were recruited from 3 community pharmacy practice-based research networks in the Midwest and South regions of the US. Recruitment and telephone survey administration occurred between December 2021 and March 2022. Descriptive statistics were computed and open-ended items were reviewed to identify common themes. RESULTS Sixty-nine of 559 pharmacists contacted (12.3%) completed the survey. All opioid interventions were reported to be provided less frequently than indicated in practice. Screening and referral interventions were provided least frequently, at 1.2 and 1.6 times on average, respectively, to the last 10 patients for which respondents felt each intervention was needed. Patient refusal, minimal or no reimbursement, inadequate staffing and time, and negative patient reactions were identified as the highest-impact barriers to providing opioid interventions. Approximately 26% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that pharmacy school adequately prepared them to provide opioid interventions in practice. CONCLUSION Prioritizing the resolution of pharmacy work environment barriers will support pharmacists in routinely providing opioid interventions. Changes in Doctor of Pharmacy curricula and continuing education are also indicated to further prepare pharmacists to engage in opioid-related harm reduction.
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Welsh JW, Yarbrough CR, Sitar SI, Mataczynski MJ, Peralta AM, Kan M, Crawford ND, Conrad TA, Kee C, Young HN. Demographic and socioeconomic correlates to buprenorphine access in pharmacies. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 63:751-759. [PMID: 36658013 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has focused on buprenorphine prescribing with limited attention to the role of pharmacy access to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. OBJECTIVE This study examines demographic and socioeconomic correlates to buprenorphine access in Georgia pharmacies. METHODS A 5-question (12 potential subqueries) telephone administered survey was used to investigate access and stocking patterns of specific dosages and formulations of buprenorphine in Georgia pharmacies (n = 119). Descriptive statistics characterized physician and pharmacy demographics and buprenorphine stocking practices. Correlations between various factors including buprenorphine stocking practices, geographic, and sociodemographic characteristics were identified using nonlinear regression models. RESULTS The majority of pharmacies stocked the most commonly prescribed 8/2 mg dosage strength of buprenorphine/naloxone films and tablets (69.0% and 63.0%, respectively). Other strengths were less likely to be readily available. Pharmacies in Suburban Census tracts were 77.0% more likely to stock any type of buprenorphine monotherapy [odds ratio (OR) = 1.77, t = 2.37, P < 0.05] and 58.1% more likely to stock the 8 mg buprenorphine monotherapy formulation [OR = 1.58, t = 2.15, P < 0.05] than Urban tracts. Pharmacies in areas with above-average non-White populations were 29.6% more likely to stock a monotherapy product [OR = 1.30, t = 2.16, P < 0.05], and those in areas with above-average poverty rates were more likely to stock the 8 mg/2 mg buprenorphine/naloxone tablets [OR = 1.04, t = 2.02, P < 0.05]. There were no additional differences across the sample in formulation or dosage strengths. Pharmacists who endorsed challenges dispensing buprenorphine (23.3%) cited issues around insurance coverage, payment difficulty, prior authorization issues, and low stock of specific formulations. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that low availability of certain dosages or formulations of buprenorphine in local pharmacies could obstruct access for patients. Future research should address barriers to supplying buprenorphine and collaborative measures between pharmacists and prescribers to improve access.
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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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Giravi HY, Biskupiak Z, Tyler LS, Bulaj G. Adjunct Digital Interventions Improve Opioid-Based Pain Management: Impact of Virtual Reality and Mobile Applications on Patient-Centered Pharmacy Care. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:884047. [PMID: 35770137 PMCID: PMC9234128 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.884047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx, mobile medical apps, software as a medical device) are rapidly emerging as clinically effective treatments for diverse chronic diseases. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently authorized a prescription virtual reality (VR) app for treatment of moderate to severe low back pain. The FDA has also approved an adjunct digital therapy in conjunction with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, further illustrating opportunities to integrate digital therapeutics with pharmacotherapies. There are ongoing needs to disseminate knowledge about advances in digital interventions among health care professionals, policymakers, and the public at large. This mini-review summarizes accumulating clinical evidence of digital interventions delivered via virtual reality and mobile apps to improve opioid-based analgesia. We identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Embase and PubMed databases which reported pain scores with a validated pain scale (e.g., visual analog scales, graphic rating scale, numeric rating scale) and use of a digital intervention in conjunction with opiates. Among identified RCTs, the majority of studies reported improved pain scores in the digital intervention group, as compared to “treatment as usual” group. Our work suggests that VR and mobile apps can be used as adjunct digital therapies for pain management. We discuss these findings in the context of how digital health technologies can transform patient-centered pharmacy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayam Y. Giravi
- University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Hayam Y. Giravi
| | - Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Linda S. Tyler
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Grzegorz Bulaj
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Freibott CE, Walker A, Maio V, Frasso R. Educational programs implemented for pharmacists after state passage of a standing order for naloxone: A systematic review of current practices. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 61:e19-e27. [PMID: 33386240 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review describes the current educational interventions that have been created for pharmacists after the implementation of a standing order for naloxone. METHODS Search strategies were constructed for 3 databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL), which were queried between February 1, 2019, and March 5, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened 224 titles and abstracts from these databases. The descriptive criteria of each study, such as rationale, design, study location, population, and method of intervention, were included. RESULTS Eight articles met the inclusion criteria; 4 were delivered in person, 2 were online programs, and 2 used combined in-person and online methodologies. Of the 8 studies, 4 were delivered to practicing pharmacists, and 4 were designed for student pharmacists. CONCLUSION Pharmacists seem to engage in more overdose prevention behaviors after participating in the novel educational program as compared with taking the state-mandated training alone. Both student pharmacists and practicing pharmacists had promising postintervention results, with post-test scores indicating a statistically significant increase in knowledge or improvement in naloxone-relevant skills. The results of this review indicate the need to critically analyze the implementation of standing order laws for naloxone, specifically how pharmacists are being trained. The next steps include publication of existing best practices for educational interventions for pharmacists that may not currently be in the literature.
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Rao D, Giannetti V, Kamal KM, Covvey JR, Tomko JR. Pharmacist Views Regarding the Prescription Opioid Epidemic. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:2096-2105. [PMID: 34429024 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1968434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Community pharmacists have significant opportunity to contribute to prevention and treatment of opioid use disorders, but barriers to implementation still exist. Understanding their viewpoints is critical to designing future interventions. To qualitatively explore experiences and beliefs of community pharmacists regarding the misuse of prescription opioids in the United States. The study was part of a larger project that utilized a survey questionnaire to evaluate the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists in substance use disorders. The survey included an open-ended item on pharmacist views regarding the prescription opioid epidemic. The responses were used for inductive content analysis. Axial coding of themes was conducted to analyze underlying relationships: associations, consequences, intervening relationships, and action strategies regarding a central phenomenon. A model describing pharmacist experiences in the opioid epidemic was conceptualized. The open-ended question resulted in 50 (37.3%) usable responses. Final abstraction resulted in six themes including (1) overprescribing opioids: inappropriate prescribing as a contributor to the epidemic, (2) policy and practice recommendations: potential action strategies against the epidemic, (3) poor prescriber-pharmacist relationship: barrier to addressing the epidemic, (4) negative attitudes: intervening condition affecting roles of the pharmacist, (5) personal experience: facilitator to improve pharmacist roles and (6) decreased access to opioids: consequence of strict prescribing laws. The study identified themes that described pharmacist views, attitudes, barriers, and experiences related to their perceived role in prevention and treatment of opioid use disorders. Future research should consider the implications of the barriers and facilitators identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Rao
- School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Health Services Research in Pharmacy, Social and Administrative Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Vincent Giannetti
- School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Khalid M Kamal
- School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jordan R Covvey
- School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John R Tomko
- School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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