A content review of online naloxone Continuing Education courses for pharmacists in states with standing orders

Pharmacist roles, training, and perceived barriers in naloxone dispensing: A systematic review

“…42 Pharmacist willingness to dispense naloxone is affected also by confidence of pharmacists in addition to time constraints, lack of support from management or prescribers, and perceived lack of patient understanding. 38,39,45 Naloxone training and education programs…”

“…Five studies examined training and education programs for practicing pharmacists. 45,[47][48][49][50] State-mandated training requirements were reviewed for pharmacists dispensing naloxone in states where the legislatures permitted enhanced access to naloxone through pharmacies. 47 To date, all states except Nebraska have enhanced pharmacy naloxone access laws, including 43 states with standing orders and 14 state with protocol orders.…”

“…For the 12 states with active standing orders and naloxone education programs, the topics addressed are variable. 45 All of the programs provided content regarding screening patients at risk for opioid overdose, recognizing signs of overdose, naloxone use, and steps to handle an overdose situation, including calling 911 or emergency medical services. Content included naloxone mechanism of action, onset and duration of action, and necessary follow-up for patients receiving naloxone.…”

“…In addition, the majority of programs contained background information about opioid overdose and naloxone use including selecting an appropriate product, proper storage, billing, and insurance coverage. 45 Not all programs included information related to pharmacist communication with the patient or caregiver, and only 7 programs recommended evidence-based communication strategies, such as teach-back, use of patient handouts, motivational interviewing, and device instruction.…”

Reviewing state-mandated training requirements for naloxone-dispensing pharmacists

“…Under each of these circumstances, the clinical decision to engage in enhanced naloxone dispensing activities requires pharmacists to understand how to appropriately screen prospective naloxone recipients, counsel patients and third-party caregivers on recognizing and treating opioid overdose with specific naloxone delivery devices, and both immediate and long-term patient care management after naloxone administration. 8 Additional education may also be required to inform pharmacists about their liability protections when engaging in enhanced naloxone dispensing activities and address misconceptions about naloxone, such as the belief that its use encourages highrisk opioid use behaviors. 9 The purpose of this paper is to review each state's current legislatively-mandated training requirements that pharmacists must complete prior to engaging in enhanced naloxone dispensing activities.…”