Feasibility of Providing Interventions for Injection Drug Users in Pharmacy Settings: A Case Study among San Francisco Pharmacists

Abstract

In addition to syringe exchange programs, pharmacies are important venues where injection drug users (IDUs) can access non-prescription syringes and other prevention interventions. This study assessed the feasibility of providing a range of interventions for IDUs in pharmacy settings. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 participants (policy makers, owner/managers, dispensing pharmacists, and pharmacy staff) from independent and chain/retail pharmacies in San Francisco, California, USA. The highest level of support was for a coupon syringe program and educational materials. Several overarching themes illustrate challenges to implementing pharmacy-based preventive interventions: time, space, sufficient staff, pharmacist training, legal considerations, pharmacist attitudes toward IDUs, and cost and reimbursement issues. This study provides concrete examples of the types of preventive services that pharmacists support and consider feasible, and illustrates that pharmacists welcome the opportunity to broaden their role as critical partners in public health matters related to injection drug use.

Self-reported participation in voluntary nonprescription syringe sales in California’s Central Valley

“…These include concerns about increased crime, drug use, and/or discarded syringes in and/or around the pharmacy; IDUs causing disruptions in the pharmacy; IDUs causing discomfort or even “danger” to staff and/or customers; and fear of community disapproval resulting in decreased revenues. 24,25,54–58 Yet we are aware of only one study, conducted in California, which has investigated these concerns. Specifically, a study by Stopka et al 59 in Los Angeles found nonprescription syringe sales under the California pilot program were inversely associated with overall crime rates.…”

Reality and feasibility for pharmacy-delivered services for people who inject drugs in Xichang, China: Comparisons between pharmacy staff and people who inject drugs

“…Pharmacies are considered as supplementary organization sources of obtaining sterile syringes (Busza et al, 2013). In the world, community pharmacies have been involved in providing services to PWID for many years (Glanz, Byrne, & Jackson, 1989; Sheridan et al, 1997; Myers et al, 1998; Matheson et al, 1999; Coffin et al, 2000; Koester et al,2002; Fuller et al,2004;Cooper et al, 2007; Mackridge&Scott., 2009; Rudolph et al,2010; Torre, Lucas&Barros, 2010; Janulis, 2011; Zaller et al, 2012; Crawford et al, 2013; Busza et al, 2013; Pollini et al, 2014; Rose et al, 2014). Pharmacies are seen as not only feasible in nonprescription syringes sales(NPSS) to PWID, but also as public health venues to provide HIV-testing and vaccination, educational material, coupon syringe program.…”

Hepatitis C Crónica y usuarios con un historial de inyección de drogas en España: evaluación de la población, retos para un tratamiento efectivo.

“…Por ejemplo, el uso de grupos de apoyo conducidos por pares son probablemente de gran importancia. También se puede considerar la posibilidad de facilitar el diagnóstico por pares o el autodiagnóstico en ciertos establecimientos, incluyendo sitios informales y no clínicos como farmacias, programas de intercambios de jeringuillas y centros de servicios sociales (Rose, Lutnick, y Kral, 2014).…”