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Natale I, Harvey C, Wood P, Anderson K. "It can save your life, that's all I know," barriers and facilitators for engagement in take-home naloxone for people receiving opioid substitution treatment in regional Australia: An explorative study. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN MEDICINE & HEALTHCARE 2023; 7:10868. [PMID: 37692452 PMCID: PMC10483482 DOI: 10.4081/qrmh.2023.10868] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Engagement in take-home naloxone (THN) programs by people receiving opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Australia is low despite methadone being a significant contributor to opioid overdose deaths. Our aim was to explore barriers and facilitators for OST patients to engage in THN. We used a descriptive qualitative design with thematic analysis to gain insight into naloxone uptake by people engaged in an OST program in regional Australia. Eleven participants were interviewed; eight had previously engaged with THN. Barriers to THN included limited knowledge and understanding, lack of information, and not personally experiencing an overdose. Facilitators included having a traumatic experience of overdose, knowledge and understanding of THN and overdose, empowerment in carrying naloxone, and expanding THN programs. Support for the expansion of THN programs is desired among participants, and widespread peer distribution is understood to be the key to success. This study found that prior traumatic experience of overdose facilitates acceptance of THN, and being offered THN was the most important factor in engagement. Less clear is how to engage people who lack a traumatic overdose experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig Harvey
- Drugs and Alcohol Services, Barwon Health, Geelong
| | - Pene Wood
- La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
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2
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Speakman EM, Hillen P, Heyman I, Murray J, Dougall N, Aston EV, McAuley A. 'I'm not going to leave someone to die': carriage of naloxone by police in Scotland within a public health framework: a qualitative study of acceptability and experiences. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:20. [PMID: 36805681 PMCID: PMC9938955 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00750-9] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scotland has one of the highest rates of drug-related deaths (DRDs) per capita in Europe, the majority of which involve opioids. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid-related overdoses. In efforts to tackle escalating DRDs in many countries, naloxone is increasingly being provided to people who are likely first responders in overdose situations. This includes non-healthcare professionals, such as police officers. A pilot exercise to test the carriage and administration of naloxone by police officers was conducted in selected areas of Scotland between March and October 2021. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability and experiences of naloxone carriage and administration by police in Scotland. METHODS The study comprised of two stages. Stage 1 involved in-depth one-to-one qualitative interviews with 19 community stakeholders (people with lived experience, family members, support workers). Stage 2 involved a mixture of in-depth one-to-one interviews and focus groups with 41 police officers. Data were analysed thematically, and the findings from the two stages were triangulated to develop overarching themes and subthemes. RESULTS By the end of the pilot, 808 police officers had been trained in the use of intranasal naloxone. Voluntary uptake of naloxone kits among police officers who completed training was 81%. There were 51 naloxone administration incidents recorded by police officers at suspected opioid-related overdose incidents during the pilot. Most officers shared positive experiences of naloxone administration. Naloxone as a first aid tool suited their role as first responders and their duty and desire to preserve life. Perceived barriers included concerns about police undertaking health-related work, potential legal liabilities and stigmatising attitudes. The majority of participants (and all community stakeholders) were supportive of the pilot and for it to be expanded across Scotland. CONCLUSIONS Police carriage of naloxone is an acceptable and potentially valuable harm reduction tool to help tackle the DRDs crisis in Scotland. However, it requires appropriate integration with existing health and social care systems. The intervention lies at the intersection between public health and policing and implies a more explicit public health approach to policing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Hillen
- grid.20409.3f000000012348339XSchool of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Inga Heyman
- grid.20409.3f000000012348339XSchool of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jennifer Murray
- grid.20409.3f000000012348339XSchool of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nadine Dougall
- grid.20409.3f000000012348339XSchool of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elizabeth V. Aston
- grid.20409.3f000000012348339XSchool of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew McAuley
- grid.5214.20000 0001 0669 8188School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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Monds LA, Bravo M, Mills L, Malcolm A, Gilliver R, Wood W, Harrod ME, Read P, Nielsen S, Dietze PM, Lenton S, Bleeker AM, Lintzeris N. The Overdose Response with Take Home Naloxone (ORTHN) project: Evaluation of health worker training, attitudes and perceptions. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1085-1094. [PMID: 35442514 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13474] [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: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdose; naloxone can be provided on a 'take-home' basis so naloxone can be administered outside of the health-care setting. The Overdose Response and Take Home Naloxone (ORTHN) project established a model of care for take-home naloxone (THN) interventions across alcohol and other drug and harm reduction services in NSW, Australia. This paper evaluates the staff training and credentialing program, and examines staff attitudes and perspectives regarding the provision of THN interventions in these settings. METHODS Staff across seven services were trained through a 'train-the-trainer' credentialing model to deliver ORTHN, including naloxone supply. Staff were surveyed regarding their experience, attitudes and knowledge on THN prior to and after training, and after 6 months. At the 6 months follow up, staff were asked about the interventions they provided, barriers and enablers to uptake, and opinions regarding future rollout. RESULTS A total of 204 staff were trained and credentialed to provide the ORTHN intervention. Most (60%) were nurses, followed by needle syringe program workers and allied health/counsellors (32%). Linear and logistic regression analyses indicated that the training program was associated with significant improvements in staff knowledge and attitudes towards overdose and THN; however, only attitudinal improvements were maintained over time. There were high rates of staff satisfaction with the ORTHN intervention and training. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS The ORTHN program is 'fit for purpose' for broad implementation in these settings. A number of potential barriers (e.g. time, medication and staffing costs) and enablers (e.g. peer engagement, regulatory framework for naloxone supply) in implementing THN interventions were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Monds
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Bravo
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Llewellyn Mills
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Annie Malcolm
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rosie Gilliver
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Wood
- Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul M Dietze
- National Drug Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon Lenton
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Anne M Bleeker
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Association, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,NSW Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia
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Bagley B, Bright CF. "Those People Count": Naloxone Media Coverage in Mississippi. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2020; 30:1237-1248. [PMID: 32208912 PMCID: PMC7305992 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320911952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a movement to promote naloxone adoption by law enforcement and other stakeholders in the state of Mississippi. The purpose of this study is to understand how local media are framing the conversation about naloxone products, and to better understand how it might affect naloxone adoption among law enforcement. We searched for news articles published in Mississippi from January 2012 to July 2018 mentioning the words Narcan® and/or naloxone. Four main themes emerged from 25 articles: (a) positive and informative discussion of naloxone, (b) full articles persuading readers to use and/or advocate the use of naloxone, (c) government or organizational effort to increase the availability and use of naloxone products, and (d) negative or misleading information about naloxone. Better efforts to disseminate correct and persuasive information about the drug will have a profound and positive effect on the opioid epidemic in Mississippi and in the United States.
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Coffin PO, Santos GM, Matheson T, Behar E, Rowe C, Rubin T, Silvis J, Vittinghoff E. Behavioral intervention to reduce opioid overdose among high-risk persons with opioid use disorder: A pilot randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183354. [PMID: 29049282 PMCID: PMC5648110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The United States is amidst an opioid epidemic, including synthetic opioids that may result in rapid death, leaving minimal opportunity for bystander rescue. We pilot tested a behavioral intervention to reduce the occurrence of opioid overdose among opioid dependent persons at high-risk for subsequent overdose. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a single-blinded randomized-controlled trial of a repeated dose motivational interviewing intervention (REBOOT) to reduce overdose versus treatment as usual, defined as information and referrals, over 16 months at the San Francisco Department of Public Health from 2014-2016. Participants were 18-65 years of age, had opioid use disorder by Structured Clinical Interview, active opioid use, opioid overdose within 5 years, and prior receipt of naloxone kits. The intervention was administered at months 0, 4, 8, and 12, preceded by the assessment which was also administered at month 16. Dual primary outcomes were any overdose event and number of events, collected by computer-assisted personal interview, as well as any fatal overdose events per vital records. RESULTS A total of 78 persons were screened and 63 enrolled. Mean age was 43 years, 67% were born male, 65% White, 17% African-American, and 14% Latino. Ninety-two percent of visits and 93% of counseling sessions were completed. At baseline, 33.3% of participants had experienced an overdose in the past four months, with a similar mean number of overdoses in both arms (p = 0.95); 29% overdosed during follow-up. By intention-to-treat, participants assigned to REBOOT were less likely to experience any overdose (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.62 [95%CI 0.41-0.92, p = 0.019) and experienced fewer overdose events (IRR 0.46, 95%CI 0.24-0.90, p = 0.023), findings that were robust to sensitivity analyses. There were no differences between arms in days of opioid use, substance use treatment, or naloxone carriage. CONCLUSIONS REBOOT reduced the occurrence of any opioid overdose and the number of overdoses. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov NCT02093559.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Oliver Coffin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Glenn-Milo Santos
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Tim Matheson
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Emily Behar
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Rowe
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Talia Rubin
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Janelle Silvis
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Parmar MKB, Strang J, Choo L, Meade AM, Bird SM. Randomized controlled pilot trial of naloxone-on-release to prevent post-prison opioid overdose deaths. Addiction 2017; 112:502-515. [PMID: 27776382 PMCID: PMC5324705 DOI: 10.1111/add.13668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used for emergency resuscitation following opioid overdose. Prisoners with a history of heroin injection have a high risk of drug-related death soon after release from prison. The NALoxone InVEstigation (N-ALIVE) pilot trial (ISRCTN34044390) tested feasibility measures for randomized provision of naloxone-on-release (NOR) to eligible prisoners in England. DESIGN Parallel-group randomized controlled pilot trial. SETTING English prisons. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1685 adult heroin injectors, incarcerated for at least 7 days pre-randomization, release due within 3 months and more than 6 months since previous N-ALIVE release. INTERVENTION Using 1 : 1 minimization, prisoners were randomized to receive on release a pack containing either a single 'rescue' injection of naloxone or a control pack with no syringe. MEASUREMENTS Key feasibility outcomes were tested against prior expectations: on participation (14 English prisons; 2800 prisoners), consent (75% for randomization), returned prisoner self-questionnaires (RPSQs: 207), NOR-carriage (75% in first 4 weeks) and overdose presence (80%). FINDINGS Prisons (16) and prisoners (1685) were willing to participate [consent rate, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 70-74%]; 218 RPSQs were received; NOR-carriage (95% CI = 63-79%) and overdose presence (95% CI = 75-84%) were as expected. We randomized 842 to NOR and 843 to control during 30 months but stopped early, because only one-third of NOR administrations were to the ex-prisoner. Nine deaths within 12 weeks of release were registered for 1557 randomized participants released before 9 December 2014. CONCLUSIONS Large randomized trials are feasible with prison populations. Provision of take-home emergency naloxone prior to prison release may be a life-saving interim measure to prevent heroin overdose deaths among ex-prisoners and the wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre at King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Louise Choo
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Angela M. Meade
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sheila M. Bird
- MRC Biostatistics UnitUniversity of Cambridge Institute of Public HealthCambridgeUK
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Bird SM, Strang J, Ashby D, Podmore J, Robertson JR, Welch S, Meade AM, Parmar MK. External data required timely response by the Trial Steering-Data Monitoring Committee for the NALoxone InVEstigation (N-ALIVE) pilot trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2017; 5:100-106. [PMID: 28424796 PMCID: PMC5389338 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prison-based N-ALIVE pilot trial had undertaken to notify the Research Ethics Committee and participants if we had reason to believe that the N-ALIVE pilot trial would not proceed to the main trial. In this paper, we describe how external data for the third year of before/after evaluation from Scotland's National Naloxone Programme, a related public health policy, were anticipated by eliciting prior opinion about the Scottish results in the month prior to their release as official statistics. We summarise how deliberations by the N-ALIVE Trial Steering-Data Monitoring Committee (TS-DMC) on N-ALIVE's own interim data, together with those on naloxone-on-release (NOR) from Scotland, led to the decision to cease randomization in the N-ALIVE pilot trial and recommend to local Principal Investigators that NOR be offered to already-randomized prisoners who had not yet been released.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London SE5 8BB, UK
| | - Deborah Ashby
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit School of Public Health, London W12 7RH, UK
| | - John Podmore
- Durham University School of Applied Social Sciences, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - J. Roy Robertson
- Edinburgh University Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | | | - Angela M. Meade
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London WC2B 6NH, UK
| | - Mahesh K.B. Parmar
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, London WC2B 6NH, UK
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McAuley A, Bouttell J, Barnsdale L, Mackay D, Lewsey J, Hunter C, Robinson M. Evaluating the impact of a national naloxone programme on ambulance attendance at overdose incidents: a controlled time-series analysis. Addiction 2017; 112:301-308. [PMID: 27614084 PMCID: PMC5248605 DOI: 10.1111/add.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS It has been suggested that distributing naloxone to people who inject drugs (PWID) will lead to fewer attendances by emergency medical services at opioid-related overdose incidents if peer administration of naloxone was perceived to have resuscitated the overdose victim successfully. This study evaluated the impact of a national naloxone programme (NNP) on ambulance attendance at opioid-related overdose incidents throughout Scotland. Specifically, we aimed to answer the following research questions: is there evidence of an association between ambulance call-outs to opioid-related overdose incidents and the cumulative number of 'take-home naloxone' (THN) kits in issue; and is there evidence of an association between ambulance call-outs to opioid-related overdose incidents in early adopter (pilot) or later adopting (non-pilot) regions and the cumulative number of THN kits issued in those areas? DESIGN Controlled time-series analysis. SETTING Scotland, UK, 2008-15. PARTICIPANTS Pre-NNP implementation period for the evaluation was defined as 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2011 and the post-implementation period as 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2015. In total, 3721 ambulance attendances at opioid-related overdose were recorded for the pre-NNP implementation period across 158 weeks (mean 23.6 attendances per week) and 5258 attendances across 212 weeks in the post-implementation period (mean 24.8 attendances per week). INTERVENTION Scotland's NNP; formally implemented on 1 April 2011. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcome measure was weekly incidence (counts) of call-outs to opioid-related overdoses at national and regional Health Board level. Data were acquired from the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). Models were adjusted for opioid replacement therapy using data acquired from the Information Services Division on monthly sums of all dispensed methadone and buprenorphine in the study period. Models were adjusted further for a control group: weekly incidence (counts) of call-outs to heroin-related overdose in the London Borough area acquired from the London Ambulance Service. FINDINGS There was no significant association between SAS call-outs to opioid-related overdose incidents and THN kits in issue for Scotland as a whole (coefficient 0.009, 95% confidence intervals = -0.01, 0.03, P = 0.39). In addition, the magnitude of association between THN kits and SAS call-outs did not differ significantly between pilot and non-pilot regions (interaction test, P = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS The supply of take-home naloxone kits through a National Naloxone Programme in Scotland was not associated clearly with a decrease in ambulance attendance at opioid-related overdose incidents in the 4-year period after it was implemented in April 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McAuley
- Health Protection ScotlandMeridian CourtGlasgowUK
- School of Health and Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Janet Bouttell
- Institute of Health and WellbeingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Lee Barnsdale
- NHS National Services ScotlandInformation Services DivisionGyle SquareEdinburghUK
| | - Daniel Mackay
- Institute of Health and WellbeingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Jim Lewsey
- Institute of Health and WellbeingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Carole Hunter
- NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydePossilpark Health and Care CentreGlasgowUK
| | - Mark Robinson
- Public Health Science DirectorateNHS Health Scotland, Meridian CourtGlasgowUK
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Lancaster K, Treloar C, Ritter A. ‘Naloxone works’: The politics of knowledge in ‘evidence-based’ drug policy. Health (London) 2017; 21:278-294. [DOI: 10.1177/1363459316688520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
For over 20 years, drug policy experts have been calling for the wider availability of naloxone, to enable lay overdose witnesses to respond to opioid overdose events. However, the ‘evidence base’ for peer-administered naloxone has become a key point of contention. This contention opens up critical questions about how knowledge (‘evidence’) is constituted and validated in drug policy processes, which voices may be heard, and how knowledge producers secure privileged positions of influence. Taking the debate surrounding peer-administered naloxone as a case study, and drawing on qualitative interviews with individuals (n = 19) involved in the development of naloxone policy in Australia, we examine how particular kinds of knowledge are rendered ‘useful’ in drug policy debates. Applying Bacchi’s poststructuralist approach to policy analysis, we argue that taken-for-granted ‘truths’ implicit within evidence-based policy discourse privilege particular kinds of ‘objective’ and ‘rational’ knowledge and, in so doing, legitimate the voices of researchers and clinicians to the exclusion of others. What appears to be a simple requirement for methodological rigour in the evidence-based policy paradigm actually rests on deeper assumptions which place limits around not only what can be said (in terms of what kind of knowledge is relevant for policy debate) but also who may legitimately speak. However, the accounts offered by participants reveal the ways in which a larger number of ways of knowing are already co-habiting within drug policy. Despite these opportunities for re-problematisation and resistance, the continued mobilisation of ‘evidence-based’ discourse obscures these contesting positions and continues to privilege particular speakers.
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Marshall C, Piat M, Perreault M. Exploring the psychological benefits and challenges experienced by peer-helpers participating in take-home naloxone programmes: A rapid review. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2016.1269724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carley Marshall
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada,
| | - Myra Piat
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada,
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada, and
- Department of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michel Perreault
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada,
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada, and
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Neale J, Bradford J, Strang J. Development of a proto-typology of opiate overdose onset. Addiction 2017; 112:168-175. [PMID: 27542337 DOI: 10.1111/add.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The time available to act is a crucial factor affecting the probable success of interventions to manage opiate overdose. We analyse opiate users' accounts of non-fatal overdose incidents to (i) construct a proto-typology of non-fatal opiate overdose onset and (ii) assess the implications for overdose management and prevention of fatalities. METHODS Re-analysis of a subset of data from a large qualitative study of non-fatal opiate overdose conducted from 1997 to 1999. Data were generated from semi-structured interviews undertaken with opiate users who had experienced a non-fatal overdose in the previous 24 hours. Forty-four participants (30 men; 14 women; aged 16-47 years) provided sufficient information for in-depth analysis. Data relating to 'memory of the moment of overdose', 'time to loss of consciousness' and 'subjective description of the overdose experience' were scrutinised using iterative categorization. FINDINGS Four types of overdose onset were identified: type A 'amnesic' (n = 8), characterized by no memory, rapid loss of consciousness and no description of the overdose experience; type B 'conscious' (n = 17), characterized by some memory, sustained consciousness and a description of the overdose in terms of feeling unwell and symptomatic; type C 'instant' (n = 14), characterized by some memory, immediate loss of consciousness and no description of the overdose experience; and type D 'enjoyable' (n = 5), characterized by some memory, rapid loss of consciousness and a description of the overdose experience as pleasant or positive. CONCLUSIONS The identification of different types of overdose onset highlights the complexity of overdose events, the need for a range of interventions and the challenges faced in managing incidents and preventing fatalities. Opiate overdose victims who retain consciousness for a sustained period and recognize the negative signs and symptoms of overdosing could summon help or self-administer naloxone, thus indicating that opiate overdose training should incorporate self-management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Neale
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Julia Bradford
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - John Strang
- National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, UK
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12
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Madah-Amiri D, Clausen T, Lobmaier P. Utilizing a train-the-trainer model for multi-site naloxone distribution programs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 163:153-6. [PMID: 27107847 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to have a substantial impact on overdose prevention, the expansion and scaling-up of overdose prevention with naloxone distribution (OPEND) programs are needed. However, limited literature exists on the best method to train the large number of trainers needed to implement such initiatives. METHODS As part of a national overdose prevention strategy, widespread OPEND was implemented throughout multiple low-threshold facilities in Norway. Following a two-hour 'train-the trainer course' staff were able to distribute naloxone in their facility. The course was open to all staff, regardless of educational background. To measure the effectiveness of the course, a questionnaire was given to participants immediately before and after the session, assessing knowledge on overdoses and naloxone, as well as attitudes towards the training session and distributing naloxone. RESULTS In total, 511 staff were trained during 41 trainer sessions. During a two-month survey period, 54 staff participated in a questionnaire study. Knowledge scores significantly improved in all areas following the training (p<0.001). Attitude scores improved, and the majority of staff found the training useful and intended to distribute naloxone to their clients. CONCLUSION Large-scale naloxone distribution programs are likely to continue growing, and will require competent trainers to carry out training sessions. The train-the-trainer model appears to be effective in efficiently training a high volume of trainers, improving trainers' knowledge and intentions to distribute naloxone. Further research is needed to assess the long term effects of the training session, staffs' subsequent involvement following the trainer session, and knowledge transferred to the clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Madah-Amiri
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1039 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1039 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Philipp Lobmaier
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, The University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1039 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway; The Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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McAuley A, Munro A, Bird SM, Hutchinson SJ, Goldberg DJ, Taylor A. Engagement in a National Naloxone Programme among people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 162:236-40. [PMID: 26965105 PMCID: PMC5854250 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Availability of the opioid antagonist naloxone for lay administration has grown substantially since first proposed in 1996. Gaps remain, though, in our understanding of how people who inject drugs (PWID) engage with naloxone programmes over time. AIMS This paper aimed to address three specific evidence gaps: the extent of naloxone supply to PWID; supply-source (community or prisons); and the carriage of naloxone among PWID. MATERIALS AND METHODS Analysis of Scotland's Needle Exchange Surveillance Initiative (NESI) responses in 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 was undertaken with a specific focus on the extent of Scotland's naloxone supply to PWID; including by source (community or prisons); and on the carriage of naloxone. Differences in responses between the two surveys were measured using Chi-square tests together with 95% confidence intervals for rate-differences over time. RESULTS The proportion of NESI participants who reported that they had been prescribed naloxone within the last year increased significantly from 8% (175/2146; 95% CI: 7-9%) in 2011-2012 to 32% (745/2331; 95% CI: 30% to 34%) in 2013-2014. In contrast, the proportion of NESI participants who carried naloxone with them on the day they were interviewed decreased significantly from 16% (27/169; 95% CI: 10% to 22%) in 2011-2012 to 5% (39/741; 95% CI: 4% to 7%) in 2013-2014. CONCLUSIONS The supply of naloxone to PWID has increased significantly since the introduction of a National Naloxone Programme in Scotland in January 2011. In contrast, naloxone carriage is low and decreased between the two NESI surveys; this area requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McAuley
- Health Protection Scotland, Meridian Court, Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK; Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Alison Munro
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Sheila M. Bird
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Strathclyde University, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK
| | - Sharon J. Hutchinson
- Health Protection Scotland, Meridian Court, Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK,Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - David J. Goldberg
- Health Protection Scotland, Meridian Court, Cadogan Street, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK,Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - Avril Taylor
- School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
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14
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Bird SM, McAuley A, Perry S, Hunter C. Effectiveness of Scotland's National Naloxone Programme for reducing opioid-related deaths: a before (2006-10) versus after (2011-13) comparison. Addiction 2016; 111:883-91. [PMID: 26642424 PMCID: PMC4982071 DOI: 10.1111/add.13265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the effectiveness for Scotland's National Naloxone Programme (NNP) by comparison between 2006-10 (before) and 2011-13 (after NNP started in January 2011) and to assess cost-effectiveness. DESIGN This was a pre-post evaluation of a national policy. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by prescription costs against life-years gained per opioid-related death (ORD) averted. SETTING Scotland, in community settings and all prisons. INTERVENTION Brief training and standardized naloxone supply became available to individuals at risk of opioid overdose. MEASUREMENTS ORDs as identified by National Records of Scotland. Look-back determined the proportion of ORDs who, in the 4 weeks before ORD, had been (i) released from prison (primary outcome) and (ii) released from prison or discharged from hospital (secondary). We report 95% confidence intervals for effectiveness in reducing the primary (and secondary) outcome in 2011-13 versus 2006-10. Prescription costs were assessed against 1 or 10 life-years gained per averted ORD. FINDINGS In 2006-10, 9.8% of ORDs (193 of 1970) were in people released from prison within 4 weeks of death, whereas only 6.3% of ORDs in 2011-13 followed prison release (76 of 1212, P < 0.001; this represented a difference of 3.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6-5.4%)]. This reduction in the proportion of prison release ORDs translates into 42 fewer prison release ORDs (95% CI = 19-65) during 2011-13, when 12,000 naloxone kits were issued at current prescription cost of £225,000. Scotland's secondary outcome reduced from 19.0 to 14.9%, a difference of 4.1% (95% CI = 1.4-6.7%). CONCLUSIONS Scotland's National Naloxone Programme, which started in 2011, was associated with a 36% reduction in the proportion of opioid-related deaths that occurred in the 4 weeks following release from prison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M. Bird
- MRC Biostatistics UnitCambridgeUK
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsStrathclyde UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Andrew McAuley
- NHS Health ScotlandPublic Health Science DirectorateGlasgowUK
- Institute for Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | | | - Carole Hunter
- Addiction Services for NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydePossilpark Health and Care CentreGlasgowUK
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15
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Dwyer R, Fraser S, Dietze P. Benefits and barriers to expanding the availability of take-home naloxone in Australia: A qualitative interview study with service providers. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2016. [DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2016.1150964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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16
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Templeton L, Valentine C, McKell J, Ford A, Velleman R, Walter T, Hay G, Bauld L, Hollywood J. Bereavement following a fatal overdose: The experiences of adults in England and Scotland. DRUGS: EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND POLICY 2016. [DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2015.1127328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer McKell
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK,
| | - Allison Ford
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK,
| | | | - Tony Walter
- Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Bath, UK,
| | - Gordon Hay
- Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK, and
| | - Linda Bauld
- Institute for Social Marketing, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK,
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17
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Lenton SR, Dietze PM, Jauncey M. Australia reschedules naloxone for opioid overdose. Med J Aust 2016; 204:146-7. [DOI: 10.5694/mja15.01181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon R Lenton
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA
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18
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Binswanger IA, Stern MF, Yamashita TE, Mueller SR, Baggett TP, Blatchford PJ. Clinical risk factors for death after release from prison in Washington State: a nested case-control study. Addiction 2016; 111:499-510. [PMID: 26476210 PMCID: PMC4834273 DOI: 10.1111/add.13200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS While mortality rates after prison release are high, little is known about clinical risk factors for death. We sought to identify risk and protective factors for all-cause and accidental poisoning (overdose) death. DESIGN Nested case-control study of people released from prison. SETTING Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington, USA. PARTICIPANTS Cases (699 all-cause deaths, of which 88 were among women, and 196 additional overdose deaths, of which 76 were among women) between 1999 and 2009 matched 1 : 1 to controls on sex, age and year of release using risk set sampling. MEASUREMENTS Prison medical charts were abstracted for clinical information. Independent associations between clinical characteristics and all-cause and overdose mortality were assessed using conditional logistic regression. FINDINGS Key independent risk factors for all-cause mortality included homelessness [odds ratio (OR) = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06, 2.23], injection drug use (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.06), tobacco use (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.13), cirrhosis (OR = 4.42, 95% CI = 1.63, 11.98) and psychiatric medications before release (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.71, 3.30). Independent risk factors for overdose mortality included substance use disorder (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.32, 4.11), injection drug use (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.53, 3.86), panic disorder (OR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.62, 9.21), psychiatric prescriptions before release (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.55, 3.85) and problems with opiates/sedatives (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.40, 5.63). Substance use disorder treatment during the index incarceration was protective for all-cause (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.91) and overdose (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.36, 0.90) mortality. CONCLUSIONS Injection drug use and substance use disorders are risk factors for death after release from prison. In-prison substance use disorder treatment services may reduce the risk.
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Binswanger IA, Koester S, Mueller SR, Gardner EM, Goddard K, Glanz JM. Overdose Education and Naloxone for Patients Prescribed Opioids in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study of Primary Care Staff. J Gen Intern Med 2015; 30:1837-44. [PMID: 26055224 PMCID: PMC4636555 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-015-3394-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of fatal unintentional pharmaceutical opioid poisonings has increased substantially since the late 1990s. Naloxone is an effective opioid antidote that can be prescribed to patients for bystander use in the event of an overdose. Primary care clinics represent settings in which large populations of patients prescribed opioids could be reached for overdose education and naloxone prescription. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about overdose education and naloxone prescription among clinical staff in primary care. DESIGN This was a qualitative study using focus groups to elucidate both clinic-level and provider-level barriers and facilitators. SETTING Ten primary care internal medicine, family medicine and infectious disease/HIV practices in three large Colorado health systems. METHODS A focus group guide was developed based on behavioral theory. Focus group transcripts were coded for manifest and latent meaning, and analyzed for themes using a recursive approach that included inductive and deductive analysis. RESULTS Themes emerged in four content areas related to overdose education and naloxone prescription: knowledge, barriers, benefits and facilitators. Clinical staff (N = 56) demonstrated substantial knowledge gaps about naloxone and its use in outpatient settings. They expressed uncertainty about who to prescribe naloxone to, and identified a range of logistical barriers to its use in practice. Staff also described fears about offending patients and concerns about increased risk behaviors in patients prescribed naloxone. When considering naloxone, some providers reflected critically and with discomfort on their own opioid prescribing. These barriers were balanced by beliefs that prescribing naloxone could prevent death and result in safer opioid use behaviors. LIMITATIONS Findings from these qualitative focus groups may not be generalizable to other settings. CONCLUSION In addition to evidence gaps, logistical and attitudinal barriers will need to be addressed to enhance uptake of overdose education and naloxone prescription for patients prescribed opioids for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid A Binswanger
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, P.O Box 378066, Denver, CO, 80237-8066, USA. .,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. .,Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Stephen Koester
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Shane R Mueller
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, P.O Box 378066, Denver, CO, 80237-8066, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Kristin Goddard
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, P.O Box 378066, Denver, CO, 80237-8066, USA
| | - Jason M Glanz
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, P.O Box 378066, Denver, CO, 80237-8066, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
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20
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Neale J, Strang J. Naloxone--does over-antagonism matter? Evidence of iatrogenic harm after emergency treatment of heroin/opioid overdose. Addiction 2015; 110:1644-52. [PMID: 26119038 DOI: 10.1111/add.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To analyse drug users' views and experiences of naloxone during emergency resuscitation after illicit opiate overdose to identify (i) any evidence of harm caused by excessive naloxone dosing ('over-antagonism'); and (ii) implications for the medical administration of naloxone within contemporary emergency settings. DESIGN Re-analysis of a large qualitative data set comprising 70 face-to-face interviews conducted within a few hours of heroin/opioid overdose occurring, observations from hospital settings and a further 130 interviews with illicit opiate users. Data were generated between 1997 and 1999. SETTING Emergency departments, drug services and pharmacies in two Scottish cities. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred illicit opiate users: 131 males and 69 females. FINDINGS Participants had limited knowledge of naloxone and its pharmacology, yet described it routinely in negative terms and were critical of its medical administration. In particular, they complained that naloxone induced acute withdrawal symptoms, causing patients to refuse treatment, become aggressive, discharge themselves from hospital and take additional street drugs to counter the naloxone effects. Participants believed that hospital staff should administer naloxone selectively and cautiously, and prescribe counter-naloxone medication if dosing precipitated withdrawals. In contrast, observational data indicated that participants did not always know that they had received naloxone and hospital doctors did not necessarily administer it incautiously. CONCLUSIONS Opiate users in urban Scotland repeatedly report harm caused by naloxone over-antagonism, although this is not evident in observational data. The concept of contemporary legend (a form of folklore that can be based on fact and provides a means of communicating and negotiating anxiety) helps to explain why naloxone has such a feared reputation among opiate users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Neale
- Reader in Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - John Strang
- Professor of the Addictions, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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21
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Bird SM, Parmar MKB, Strang J. Take-home naloxone to prevent fatalities from opiate-overdose: Protocol for Scotland's public health policy evaluation, and a new measure to assess impact. DRUGS (ABINGDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 22:66-76. [PMID: 26045638 PMCID: PMC4438351 DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2014.981509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Scotland was the first country to adopt take-home naloxone (THN) as a funded public health policy. We summarise the background and rigorous set-up for before/after monitoring to assess the impact on high-risk opiate-fatalities. Methods: Evidence-synthesis of prospectively monitored small-scale THN schemes led to a performance indicator for distribution of THN-kits relative to opiate-related deaths. Next, we explain the primary outcome and statistical power for Scotland's before/after monitoring. Results: Fatality-rate at opiate overdoses witnessed by THN-trainees was 6% (9/153, 95% CI: 2-11%). National THN-schemes should aim to issue 20 times as many THN-kits as there are opiate-related deaths per annum; and at least nine times as many. Primary outcome for evaluating Scotland's THN policy is reduction in the percentage of all opiate-related deaths with prison-release as a 4-week antecedent. Scotland's baseline period is 2006-10, giving a denominator of 1970 opiate-related deaths. A priori plausible effectiveness was 20-30% reduction, relative to baseline, in the proportion of opiate-related deaths that had prison-release as a 4-week antecedent. A secondary outcome was also defined. Conclusion: If Scotland's THN evaluation shifts the policy ground seismically, our new performance measure may prove useful on how many THN-kits nations should provide annually.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Strang
- King's College London, London, UK
- National Addiction Centre, London, UK
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22
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Lenton S, Dietze P, Olsen A, Wiggins N, McDonald D, Fowlie C. Working together: Expanding the availability of naloxone for peer administration to prevent opioid overdose deaths in the Australian Capital Territory and beyond. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014; 34:404-11. [PMID: 25272281 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
ISSUE Since the mid-1990s, there have been calls to make naloxone, a prescription-only medicine in many countries, available to heroin and other opioid users and their peers and family members to prevent overdose deaths. CONTEXT In Australia there were calls for a trial of peer naloxone in 2000, yet at the end of that year, heroin availability and harm rapidly declined, and a trial did not proceed. In other countries, a number of peer naloxone programs have been successfully implemented. Although a controlled trial had not been conducted, evidence of program implementation demonstrated that trained injecting drug-using peers and others could successfully administer naloxone to reverse heroin overdose, with few, if any, adverse effects. APPROACH In 2009 Australian drug researchers advocated the broader availability of naloxone for peer administration in cases of opioid overdose. Industrious local advocacy and program development work by a number of stakeholders, notably by the Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy, a drug user organisation, contributed to the rollout of Australia's first prescription naloxone program in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Over the subsequent 18 months, prescription naloxone programs were commenced in four other Australian states. IMPLICATIONS The development of Australia's first take-home naloxone program in the ACT has been an 'ice-breaker' for development of other Australian programs. Issues to be addressed to facilitate future scale-up of naloxone programs concern scheduling and cost, legal protections for lay administration, prescribing as a barrier to scale-up; intranasal administration, administration by service providers and collaboration between stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lenton
- National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna Olsen
- Kirby Institute, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Wiggins
- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy, Canberra, Australia
| | - David McDonald
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Carrie Fowlie
- Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, Canberra, Australia
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23
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Crocker-Buque T, Lovitt C. Time for universal provision of take-home naloxone. Lancet 2014; 384:308. [PMID: 25066158 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)61240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Banjo O, Tzemis D, Al-Qutub D, Amlani A, Kesselring S, Buxton JA. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the British Columbia Take Home Naloxone program. CMAJ Open 2014; 2:E153-61. [PMID: 25295235 PMCID: PMC4183165 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20140008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In August 2012, the British Columbia Take Home Naloxone (BCTHN) program was introduced to help to reduce opioid overdose and its consequences. This study evaluates the BCTHN program, identifying the successes and challenges of implementing a provincial program in Canada. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we reviewed the records of the BCTHN administrative program to report on program outcomes (participation and overdose reversals). Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 40 clients in Vancouver; 12 individual interviews were completed with service providers, police officers and parents of people who use opioids from both the Vancouver and Interior regions of British Columbia. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and a qualitative descriptive approach. RESULTS As of March 13, 2014, the BCTHN program had been implemented at 40 sites, trained 1318 participants in overdose prevention, recognition and response, distributed 836 kits to clients and received reports of 85 overdose reversals. Stakeholders were supportive of the program, and clients reported greater confidence in response to overdose. Service providers found the program training materials easy to use and that training increased client engagement. Some of the challenges included difficulty in identifying physician willing to prescribe, recruitment of some at-risk populations (e.g., long-term opioid users and patients with chronic pain), and clients' reluctance to call 911. We also found that the police had some misconceptions about BCTHN. INTERPRETATION The BCTHN program was easy to implement, empowering for clients and was responsible for reversing 85 overdoses in its first 20 months. We suggest communities across Canada should consider implementing take-home naloxone programs and evaluate their findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwajenyo Banjo
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC
| | - Despina Tzemis
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
| | - Diana Al-Qutub
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Ashraf Amlani
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
| | - Sarah Kesselring
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Jane A Buxton
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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Williams AV, Marsden J, Strang J. Training family members to manage heroin overdose and administer naloxone: randomized trial of effects on knowledge and attitudes. Addiction 2014; 109:250-9. [PMID: 24103087 DOI: 10.1111/add.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate a heroin overdose management training programme for family members based on emergency recovery procedures and take-home naloxone (THN) administration. DESIGN A two-group, parallel-arm, non-blinded, randomized controlled trial of group-based training versus an information-only control. SETTING Training events delivered in community addiction treatment services in three locations in England. PARTICIPANTS A total of 187 family members and carers allocated to receive either THN training or basic information on opioid overdose management (n = 95 and n = 92, respectively), with 123 participants completing the study. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measure was a self-completion Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS; range 0-45) and an Opioid Overdose Attitudes Scale (OOAS; range 28-140) was the secondary outcome measure. Each group was assessed before receiving their assigned condition and followed-up 3 months after. Events of witnessing and managing an overdose during follow-up were also recorded. FINDINGS At follow-up, study participants who had received THN training reported greater overdose-related knowledge relative to those receiving basic information only [OOKS mean difference, 4.08 (95% confidence interval, 2.10-6.06; P < 0.001); Cohen's d = 0.74 (0.37-1.10)]. There were also more positive opioid overdose-related attitudes among the trained group at follow-up [OOAS mean difference, 7.47 (3.13-11.82); P = 0.001; d = 0.61 (0.25-0.97)]. At the individual level 35 and 54%, respectively, of the experimental group increased their knowledge and attitudes compared with 11 and 30% of the control group. During follow-up, 13 participants witnessed an overdose with naloxone administered on eight occasions: five among the THN-trained group and three among the controls. CONCLUSIONS Take-home naloxone training for family members of heroin users increases opioid overdose-related knowledge and competence and these benefits are well retained after 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Williams
- Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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Matheson C, Pflanz-Sinclair C, Aucott L, Wilson P, Watson R, Malloy S, Dickie E, McAuley A. Reducing drug related deaths: a pre-implementation assessment of knowledge, barriers and enablers for naloxone distribution through general practice. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2014; 15:12. [PMID: 24428947 PMCID: PMC3898062 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-15-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background The Scottish Naloxone Programme aims to reduce Scotland’s high number of drug-related deaths (DRDs) caused by opiate overdose. It is currently implemented through specialist drug services but General Practitioners (GPs) are likely to have contact with drug using patients and their families and are therefore in an ideal position to direct them to naloxone schemes, or provide it themselves. This research gathered baseline data on GP’s knowledge of and willingness to be involved in DRD prevention, including naloxone administration, prior to the implementation of primary care based delivery. Methods Mixed methods were used comprising a quantitative, postal survey and qualitative telephone interviews. A questionnaire was sent to 500 GPs across Scotland. An initial mailing was followed by a reminder. A shortened questionnaire containing seven key questions was posted as a final reminder. Telephone interviews were conducted with 17 GPs covering a range of demographic characteristics and drug user experience. Results A response rate of 55% (240/439) was achieved. There was some awareness of the naloxone programme but little involvement (3.3%), 9% currently provided routine overdose prevention, there was little involvement in displaying overdose prevention information (<20%). Knowledge of DRD risk was mixed. There was tentative willingness to be involved in naloxone prescribing with half of respondents willing to provide this to drug users or friends/family. However half were uncertain GP based naloxone provision was essential to reduce DRDs. Factors enabling naloxone distribution were: evidence of effectiveness, appropriate training, and adding to the local formulary. Interviewees had limited awareness of what naloxone distribution in primary care may involve and considered naloxone supply as a specialist service rather than a core GP role. Wider attitudinal barriers to involvement with this group were expressed. Conclusions There was poor awareness of the Scottish National Naloxone Programme in participants. Results indicated GPs did not currently feel sufficiently skilled or knowledgeable to be involved in naloxone provision. Appropriate training was identified as a key requirement.
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Coffin PO, Sullivan SD. Cost-effectiveness of distributing naloxone to heroin users for lay overdose reversal in Russian cities. J Med Econ 2013; 16:1051-60. [PMID: 23730942 DOI: 10.3111/13696998.2013.811080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of distributing naloxone to illicit opioid users for lay overdose reversal in Russian cities. METHOD This study adapted an integrated Markov and decision analytic model to Russian cities. The model took a lifetime, societal perspective, relied on published literature, and was calibrated to epidemiologic findings. RESULTS For each 20% of heroin users reached with naloxone distribution, the model predicted a 13.4% reduction in overdose deaths in the first 5 years and 7.6% over a lifetime; on probabilistic analysis, one death would be prevented for every 89 naloxone kits distributed (95% CI = 32-260). Naloxone distribution was cost-effective in all deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses and cost-saving if resulting in a reduction in overdose events. Naloxone distribution increased costs by US$13 (95% CI = US$3-US$32) and QALYs by 0.137 (95% CI = 0.022-0.389) for an incremental cost of US$94 per QALY gained (95% CI = US$40-US$325). In a worst-case scenario where overdose was rarely witnessed and naloxone was rarely used, minimally effective, and expensive, the incremental cost was US$1987 per QALY gained. If national expenditures on drug-related HIV, tuberculosis, and criminal justice were applied to heroin users, the incremental cost was US$928 per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS Naloxone distribution to heroin users for lay overdose reversal is highly likely to reduce overdose deaths in target communities and is robustly cost-effective, even within the constraints of this conservative model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip O Coffin
- Substance Use Research Unit, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
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