A pilot study surveying the impact of pharmacist-led counseling on naloxone dispensing

Angelina Vascimini; Calynn Dioses; Taylor Certain; Kevin Duane; Carl Allison; Theresa Tolle; Stacey Curtis

doi:10.5055/jom.0855

Authors

Angelina Vascimini, PharmD, BCACP https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0638-1214
Calynn Dioses, PharmD
Taylor Certain, PharmD
Kevin Duane, PharmD
Carl Allison, RPh
Theresa Tolle, BSPharm
Stacey Curtis, PharmD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4335-1471

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.0855

Keywords:

naloxone, patient counseling, community pharmacy

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist counseling on patients purchasing naloxone and to highlight reasons for naloxone purchase refusal.

Design: A multisite study that was conducted from September 15, 2022, to January 11, 2023.

Setting: Independent community pharmacies.

Patients/participants: Fifty patients met inclusion criteria. Data collected included demographics, preintervention knowledge assessment, post-intervention naloxone purchase, and reasons for naloxone refusal.

Outcome measures: The primary outcome was naloxone purchase after pharmacist education intervention. The secondary outcome was reasons for naloxone purchase refusal.

Results: The primary outcome showed that 60 percent of patients purchased naloxone after pharmacist intervention. As a secondary outcome, the number of patients who refused to purchase naloxone was 20 percent, with the majority of patients expressing that naloxone was not necessary as a reason for refusal.

Conclusion: More studies are needed in order to conclude the impact of pharmacist education on the increasing purchase of naloxone.

Author Biographies

Angelina Vascimini, PharmD, BCACP

Clinical Assistant Professor, Pharmacotherapy & Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Calynn Dioses, PharmD

PGY1 Resident, Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida

Taylor Certain, PharmD

PGY1 Resident, Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Kevin Duane, PharmD

Owner, Panama Pharmacy, Jacksonville, Florida

Carl Allison, RPh

Owner, Baya Pharmacy, Lake City, Florida

Theresa Tolle, BSPharm

Owner, Bay Street Pharmacy, Sebastian, Florida

Stacey Curtis, PharmD

Director, Community-Based Pharmacy PGY1 Residency Program; Clinical Associate Professor, Pharmacotherapy & Translational Research; Associate Dean, Experiential Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

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