Implementation and evaluation of an overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) program

Introduction: The impact of opioid overdoses resulting in death or hospitalization has prompted several organizations and government agencies to implement programs aimed at reducing overdose incidence. These programs have evolved to include two components: 1.) overdose education and 2.) distribution of the overdose reversal medication naloxone. Objectives: The purpose of this project is to implement and evaluate an OEND program at the Tuscaloosa VA. This program will provide overdose prevention education and dispense naloxone kits to patients at risk for overdose. Study Design: Naloxone distribution will be dependent upon overdose risk as assessed by individual providers in accordance with national standards. Pharmacist led overdose prevention education quality will be assessed by questionnaire. Retrospective data collection began after initiation of OEND education and will end six months after program initiation. Methods: Patients eligible for inclusion will receive a naloxone kit after participating in OEND education. Medical records of patients receiving naloxone kits will be reviewed and questionnaires analyzed. Outcomes assessed will include number of kits dispensed, risk factors cited for dispensation, occurrence of overdose and patient impression of education as reported by questionnaire. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Preliminary interpretation of questionnaires was conducted, however no naloxone kits have been dispensed at this time. Review of 27 questionnaires revealed the most common feedback for program improvement involved excessive information detail and lack of hands on simulations. Patients frequently stated OEND education increased their awareness of opioid overdose risk and reversal agent availability. Conclusions: Overdose education and naloxone dispensation programs have demonstrated efficacy in the prevention of death due to opioid overdose. The results of this project will be used to ensure that naloxone prescribing practices at TVAMC are in accordance with national standards and to evaluate the impact of OEND on patient outcomes.