Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Practice, Availability, and Barriers Related to Opioids in Georgia

Abstract

Objectives: To explore pharmacists' perspectives on practice, availability, and barriers related to opioids. Methods: This crosssectional study evaluated pharmacists' perspectives on practice, availability, and barriers related to opioids. Electronic surveys were distributed to pharmacists practicing in Georgia via Survey Monkey. The w 2 or Fisher Exact test was used to test differences in practice, availability, and barriers with respect to type of pharmacy and location of pharmacy. Results: Most participating pharmacists practiced in an independent (47%) or community chain pharmacies (37%). The majority checked the Prescription Drug-Monitoring Program (PDMP) on a regular basis (73%), and about a third reported contacting the prescriber prior to dispensing. The most common barrier included concerns about diversion (82%) and illicit use (90%). About two-thirds reported experiencing a shortage of opioids. Significant differences (P < .05) were found between types of pharmacy in dispensing practices, availability, and barriers. No significant differences were found with respect to pharmacy location. Conclusion: Findings suggest that pharmacists are facing challenges in availability of opioids and are employing stewardship approaches to optimize dispensing practices. This research provides insight regarding broken links in the "pain relief chain" and identifies opportunities to improve the accessibility of opioids when medically indicated. Pharmacists can play an important role in addressing the opioid crisis as well as providing quality care to patients with cancer seeking pain relief.

Association Between a State Law Allowing Pharmacists to Dispense Naloxone Without a Prescription and Naloxone Dispensing Rates

“…use of opioids and their adverse effects, and can advise patients and their family members about the availability of naloxone. 27 A study by Thompson et al 28 evaluated pharmacists' knowledge of naloxone and the Ohio law, perceived barriers that may prohibit the dispensing of naloxone, and Ohio pharmacists' general confidence, comfort, perception, and experience with dispensing naloxone per a physician-approved protocol. The authors reported that most of the pharmacists were confident they possessed the knowledge and training necessary to identify patients at risk of an opioid overdose and did not perceive their knowledge and training as barriers to dispensing naloxone.…”

“…Such reclassification of naloxone could lead to a considerable increase in naloxone use . Pharmacists are in a strong position to support these strategies because they serve as patient educators, provide recommendations for the appropriate use of opioids and their adverse effects, and can advise patients and their family members about the availability of naloxone . A study by Thompson et al evaluated pharmacists’ knowledge of naloxone and the Ohio law, perceived barriers that may prohibit the dispensing of naloxone, and Ohio pharmacists’ general confidence, comfort, perception, and experience with dispensing naloxone per a physician-approved protocol.…”

“…Naloxone Dispensing Rate in Ohio Medicaid Population After Policy Change Continuous variables depicting the total number of respective populations in the state per year. For these variables, the risk ratio reflects the change per 1000 increase.use of opioids and their adverse effects, and can advise patients and their family members about the availability of naloxone 27. A study by Thompson et al28 evaluated pharmacists' knowledge of naloxone and the Ohio law, perceived barriers that may prohibit the dispensing of naloxone, and Ohio pharmacists' general confidence, comfort, perception, and experience with dispensing naloxone per a physician-approved protocol.…”

Pharmacist Services in the Opioid Crisis: Current Practices and Scope in the United States

“…States have varying requirements for PDMP use among pharmacists and prescribers, ranging from voluntary to mandated use [9]. The majority of pharmacists have viewed the PDMP as an objective resource to support clinical decisions, make professional judgements, and prevent diversion and drug abuse [9,32,33,34]. Pharmacists also felt the PDMP helped support patient and prescriber communication regarding suspected drug abuse and helped provide patient education about opioid-specific risks and controlled substance abuse [9,32,35].…”