Identifying barriers to dispensing naloxone: A survey of community pharmacists in North Carolina

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to identify barriers to dispensing naloxone under the North Carolina statewide standing order in the community pharmacy setting. Secondary objectives included identifying areas for additional training.

Methods: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey distributed to community pharmacists in North Carolina through an Internet-based questionnaire platform. The questions assessed pharmacists' training regarding naloxone, willingness to dispense naloxone, knowledge of naloxone and opioid overdose, perceived barriers to implementing a naloxone distribution program, and demographic information. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient were used in data analysis.

Results: Only 30% of survey respondents scored greater than 90% on the knowledge assessment portion of the survey. Furthermore, more than 50% of respondents indicated that they were not very comfortable dispensing naloxone, based on their responses to a series of Likert-type scale statements. A statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.288; P < 0.001) was found between pharmacists' knowledge of naloxone and opioid overdose and willingness to dispense naloxone. The majority of respondents indicated that lack of training was a major barrier to dispensing naloxone. Additional training needs included information regarding naloxone, strategies to initiate patient discussion, identifying eligible patients, and workflow implementation. More than 95% of respondents indicated that the pharmacy in which they are employed would benefit from additional naloxone training.

Conclusion: Community pharmacists in North Carolina would like to receive additional training regarding naloxone and opioid overdose. Given the statistically significant positive correlation between knowledge concerning naloxone and opioid overdose and willingness to dispense naloxone, it is possible that increased pharmacist training could lead to increased willingness to dispense naloxone under the statewide standing order. These results can be used in a meaningful way to determine the best ways to better educate pharmacists on naloxone and improve patient access to this life-saving medication.