A Classroom Activity to Increase Student Pharmacists Confidence in Dealing with the Opioid Epidemic

Abstract

Objective. To implement and assess the impact of a hybrid flipped-classroom activity designed to increase the motivation and confidence of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students in addressing the opioid crisis. Methods. Third-professional year student pharmacists were provided with reading material developed by federal agencies and professional pharmacy organizations, as well as Georgia-specific information covering medical amnesty and local resources for opioid-overdose prevention prior to class. They then attended a four-hour classroom session that included hearing a lecture on opioid pharmacology and opioid overdose, viewing training videos, and engaging in extensive discussion. The students voluntarily completed pre-and post-intervention assessments regarding opioid abuse and opioid overdose prevention. Results. Seventy of the 107 third-year students enrolled in the course completed the pre-intervention assessment (65% response rate), and 33 of the 70 completed the post-intervention assessment (47% retention rate). The students exhibited a high baseline motivation to assist in combating the opioid crises, but less confidence in their ability to intervene. Significant increases were seen in areas related to student confidence on the post-intervention assessment. Fewer changes were seen in areas related to student motivation. Conclusion. A "hybrid" flipped classroom activity increased the confidence of student pharmacists in their understanding of the physical and adverse effects of opioids and the application of reversal agents. Increased confidence may support increased intervention.

The Role of the Pharmacist in Combating the Opioid Crisis: An Update

“…Pharmacy students at the University of Pittsburgh, North Dakota State University, and Merced University have piloted curricular modules on opioid use, guidelines, and safety. [67][68][69][70] Students have reported these modules as being valuable and improving their confidence in dealing with situations regarding opioids in the future. 67,70 North Dakota State University also mandates that students complete a naloxone training session while embedding opioid-related education and hands-on activities in the general curriculum.…”

“…[67][68][69][70] Students have reported these modules as being valuable and improving their confidence in dealing with situations regarding opioids in the future. 67,70 North Dakota State University also mandates that students complete a naloxone training session while embedding opioid-related education and hands-on activities in the general curriculum. 67 Thomas et al developed an interprofessional activity to educate pharmacy, nursing, counseling, physical therapy, and occupational therapy students.…”

Effectiveness of online training of first and second year AEGD residents in identifying, referring, and managing patients at‐risk for substance use and opioid disorders

“…14 While opioid prescription and substance abuse training is increasingly prevalent for medical and pharmacy residents, dental school programs are trailing behind in comparison. [18][19][20] Recently, the three Massachusetts dental schools -Boston University, Harvard, and Tufts University -implemented a core curriculum into their 4-year programs to improve provider competency when treating patients at risk of substance use disorders. This new initiative is designed to take place via a series of didactic courses, online videos, and training workshops; however, it is not commonplace across predoctoral programs, and no data have been published to date.…”

Managing Acute Pain and Opioid Risks Following Wisdom Teeth Extraction: An Illustrative Case

“…18 In all professions, guest editorials, curricular studies, and systematic reviews have been published on specific curricular implementations at individual institutions. [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] In addition to profession-specific efforts, the opioid epidemic has called for action and collaboration across health professions. 28 Interprofessional and profession-specific journals have disseminated studies on interprofessional curricular offerings and continuing education efforts related to opioids.…”