Community pharmacist knowledge, attitudes and confidence regarding naloxone for overdose reversal

Abstract

Community pharmacists in Australia appear to be willing to supply naloxone. Low levels of knowledge about naloxone pharmacology and administration highlight the importance of training pharmacists about overdose prevention.

Public attitudes and beliefs about Virginia community pharmacists dispensing and administering naloxone

“…13,18,25 Research has also indicated that many pharmacists are not comfortable approaching patients to discuss naloxone, are not confident in their knowledge level on overdose and naloxone, and believe that their training in the use of naloxone is insufficient. [15][16][17] In contrast, an overwhelming majority of respondents to this survey agreed that they were confident pharmacists have both sufficient knowledge and training to dispense naloxone. This result suggests a disconnection between pharmacists' confidence with naloxone and the public's confidence in pharmacists.…”

“…10 Previous research has identified numerous barriers and arguments in opposition to naloxone availability. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Some are concerned that emergency care will be neglected after naloxone administration by a layperson who is not a health care professional. This practice would be dangerous given that the half-life of naloxone is generally 1-2 hours, which is shorter than the half-life of most opioids.…”

“…Other concerns include fear of a "safety net" effect encouraging more reckless drug misuse, legal barriers to dispensing and administering, insufficient training on naloxone use for both pharmacists and laypeople, and less motivation for behavioral change. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] However, research has also suggested that education can help to combat these barriers, and studies have associated naloxone availability with a decrease in drug misuse. [19][20][21][22][23] The significant role of the community pharmacist in expanding access to naloxone and educating the public has been examined and established in several studies.…”

“…19,20,24,25 In addition, studies have examined provider and pharmacist attitudes toward dispensing naloxone and its availability, but none has focused specifically on the public's attitudes toward naloxone dispensing by community pharmacists. 12,14,15,[20][21][22] To our knowledge, this was the first study focusing specifically on public attitudes and beliefs concerning community pharmacists dispensing and administering naloxone at the time of the study design. Since then, there has been 1 study published examining consumer and pharmacist attitudes on pharmacy-based naloxone in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.…”

Community use of naloxone for opioid overdose

“…18 GPs and pharmacists are uniquely placed to engage with high-risk individuals and their friends and families. It is essential that health professionals are supported to better identify which patients need naloxone, and to train these patients appropriately.…”