What is known about community pharmacy supply of naloxone? A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Association between state Medicaid expansion status and naloxone prescription dispensing

“…Because these laws are intended to increase retail naloxone dispensing, it is possible to infer that the process of naloxone prescribing and dispensing serves as a potential mechanism for these interventions to reduce the opioid overdose mortality. 45,46 Furthermore, based on the positive association between naloxone dispensing and Medicaid expansion observed in our study, we find that Medicaid expansion may have a potentially significant impact on reducing opioid overdose mortality at the population level.…”

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

“…Pharmacists reported a range of barriers, including lack of training for screening patients, communicating with patients about the need for naloxone, lack of time, reimbursement, and lack of support from the management. 41,62 Additional barriers included expenses associated with training requirements and limited scope for pharmacist involvement if no standing order or regulatory requirements is in place. Despite these barriers, pharmacists have successfully dispensed naloxone and educated patients about naloxone through training programs which offered structured education, resources, and guidelines for screening patients at risk of overdose.…”

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

“…With international calls for OTC naloxone availability , careful consideration of to how to address these cost barriers needs to occur. Other supply models, including standing orders and collaborative practice agreements, may facilitate pharmacist‐initiated supply without the same cost implications as OTC supply .…”