Dispensing Naloxone Without a Prescription: Survey Evaluation of Ohio Pharmacists.
BACKGROUND
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a 200% escalation in the rate of opioid overdose deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, Ohio has been deemed the epicenter of the nation's opioid epidemic. In 2015, Ohio passed a bill that permits a pharmacist to distribute naloxone without a prescription.


OBJECTIVES
This survey was aimed to discover pharmacists' knowledge of naloxone and Ohio law, perceived barriers that may prohibit naloxone dispensing, and Ohio pharmacists' general confidence, comfort, perception, and experience dispensing naloxone per physician protocol.


METHODS
Pharmacists' knowledge of naloxone and Ohio law pertaining to dispensing naloxone; perceived barriers to naloxone distribution; and overall experience, willingness, comfort, and perceptions of personally supplying naloxone were assessed using multiple-choice and Likert-type scale questions through an e-mail survey.


RESULTS
Overall, Ohio pharmacists were knowledgeable about naloxone and displayed confidence in their training and ability to provide patient education on naloxone. Pharmacists were less certain about Ohio law pertaining to naloxone distribution, especially those who have been in practice longer. Pharmacists indicated several barriers to dispensing naloxone and the need for more training. Younger pharmacists were more likely to report a concern with clientele who would frequent their pharmacy and moral and ethical concerns as barriers to dispensing naloxone.


CONCLUSION
Additional educational programs should be delivered to Ohio pharmacists to inform them of the state law and policies. Continuing education programs that review substance abuse and attempt to reduce social stigma may assist with increasing naloxone distribution to those in need, especially, if directed toward younger pharmacists in Ohio.
['Thompson|Erin L|EL|', 'Rao|P S S|PSS|', 'Hayes|Christopher|C|', 'Purtill|Catherine|C|']
D000328:Adult D000367:Age Factors D000368:Aged D062787:Drug Overdose D011307:Drug Prescriptions D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control D005260:Female D019538:Health Care Surveys D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009270:Naloxone D009292:Narcotic Antagonists D009820:Ohio D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders D010353:Patient Education as Topic D010593:Pharmaceutical Services D010595:Pharmacists
naloxone Ohio pharmacists opioid overdose opioid abuse