Web-Based Naloxone Training for Law Enforcement Officers: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Training and equipping law enforcement officers (LEOs) with naloxone to reverse overdoses is one national preventive strategy to reduce overdose deaths. Web-based interventions can offer convenience, flexibility of use, and can be readily disseminated.

Objectives: This paper describes our community-academic partnership in developing and evaluating a web-based naloxone training for LEOs.

Methods: Using a community-engaged approach, we created a web-based training (www.overdoseaction.org) and conducted a pilot feasibility test using surveys and individual interviews with ten LEOs.

Results: The median time to complete the web-based naloxone training, including the pre- and post-tests, was 45 minutes (range, 37-80 minutes). A significant difference in the pretest and post-test scores of overdose knowledge was observed. The LEOs found the training helpful in responding to overdoses and sustained their attention.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of a web-based naloxone training for LEOs that can be easily disseminated and alternative to in-person trainings.