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Background: In the United States, community overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing opioid-related mortality. OEND programs have expanded across San Diego County, California, but differential naloxone accessibility among people who use drugs (PWUD) has not been assessed. We examined factors that shape individual naloxone accessibility in San Diego.Methods: We employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design using surveys (n=194) and qualitative interviews (n=20). Ordinal logistic regression examined factors associated with personal naloxone accessibility (i.e., the frequency with which participants could access naloxone within five minutes, categorized as never, sometimes, or always). Qualitative interviews explored participant perceptions of naloxone accessibility and whether and how they maintained naloxone. We organized multilevel findings into a modified social-ecological model.Results: In quantitative and qualitative samples, participants were majority male (72% and 70% respectively), non-White race/ethnicity (55% and 75%), with an average age around 42 years. In the quantitative sample, 24% never had personally accessible naloxone, 52% sometimes did, and 24% always did. Factors independently associated with greater personal naloxone accessibility were female gender (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AdjOR]: 2.51, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.31–4.85), monthly income

Introduction: Recent policy changes in Washington State presented a unique opportunity to pair evidence-based interventions with first responder services to combat increasing opioid overdoses. However, little is known about how these interventions should be implemented. In partnership with the Research with Expert Advisors on Drug Use team, a group of academically trained and community-trained researchers with lived and living experience of substance use, we examined facilitators and barriers to adopting leave-behind naloxone, field-based buprenorphine initiation, and HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for first responder programs.Methods: Our team completed semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 32 first responders, mobile integrated health staff, and emergency medical services (EMS) leaders in King County, Washington, from February–May 2022. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using an integrated deductive and inductive thematic analysis approach grounded in community-engaged research principles. We collected data until saturation was achieved. Data collection and analysis were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Two investigators coded independently until 100% consensus was reached.Results: Our thematic analysis revealed several perceived facilitators (ie, tension for change, relative advantage, and compatibility) and barriers (ie, limited adaptability, lack of evidence strength and quality, and prohibitive cost) to the adoption of these evidence-based clinical interventions for first responder systems. There was widespread support for the distribution of leave-behind naloxone, although funding was identified as a barrier. Many believed field-based initiation of buprenorphine treatment could provide a more effective response to overdose management, but there were significant concerns that this intervention could run counter to the rapid care model. Lastly, participants worried that HIV and HCV testing was inappropriate for first responders to conduct but recommended that this service be provided by mobile integrated health staff.Conclusion: These results have informed local EMS strategic planning, which will inform roll out of process improvements in King County, Washington. Future work should evaluate the impact of these interventions on the health of overdose survivors.

Introduction: Opioid use is an epidemic that plagues the United States. Patients frequently present to the emergency department (ED) after opioid toxicity, which can lead to respiratory failure, apnea, and death. Although there is an effective antidote, naloxone, the current guidelines surrounding post-naloxone administration monitoring are loosely defined.Case Report: We present a case in which an individual was administered naloxone after an intentional opioid overdose and was monitored for four hours, as is standard in our institution. He remained in the ED for additional workup following this observation period and subsequently experienced signs of severe respiratory depression, requiring bag-valve-mask ventilation, naloxone, and admission. Had he been discharged, as is typical after a four-hour observation period, the consequences could have been fatal. We present multiple theories as to why his opioid toxidrome may have presented in a delayed manner, including ingestion of fentanyl analogues and variability in metabolization of both opioids and naloxone. We also explore alternative overdose antidote products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which may impact post overdose care.Conclusion: This case suggests that the correct amount of time to monitor patients after naloxone administration may be longer than originally thought. Our aim in this article was to further the discussion regarding the most appropriate observation period in cases of opioid toxicity.

Introduction: To expand access to naloxone, the state of Illinois implemented a standing order allowing registered pharmacies to dispense the drug without an individual prescription. To participate under the standing order, pharmacies were required to opt in through a formal registration process. In our study we aimed to evaluate the availability and price of naloxone at registered pharmacies.Methods: This was a prospective, de-identified, cross-sectional telephone survey. Trained interviewers posed as potential customers and used a standardized script to determine the availability of naloxone between February–December, 2019. The primary outcome was defined as a pharmacy indicating it carried naloxone, currently had naloxone in stock, and was able to dispense it without anindividual prescription.Results: Of 948 registered pharmacies, 886 (93.5%) were successfully contacted. Of those, 792 (83.4%) carried naloxone, 659 (74.4%) had naloxone in stock, and 472 (53.3%) allowed purchase without a prescription. Naloxone nasal spray (86.4%) was the formulation most commonly stocked. Chain pharmacies were more likely to carry naloxone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97–5.01, P < 0.01) and have naloxone in stock (aOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.76–4.20, P < 0.01), but no more likely to dispense it without a prescription. Pharmacies in higher population areas (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–0.99, P < 0.05) and rural areas adjacent to metropolitan areas (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 025–0.98, P < 0.05) were less likely to have naloxone available without a prescription. Associations of naloxone availability based on other urbanicity designations, overdose count, and overdose rate were not significant.Conclusion: Among pharmacies in Illinois that formally registered to dispense naloxone without a prescription, the availability of naloxone remains limited. Additional interventions may be needed to maximize the potential impact of a statewide standing order.

Introduction: People who use drugs in community settings are at risk of a fatal overdose, which can be mitigated by naloxone administered via bystanders. In this study we sought to investigate methods of estimating and tracking opioid overdose reversals by community members with take-home naloxone (THN) to coalesce possible ways of characterizing THN reach with a metric that is useful for guiding both distribution of naloxone and advocacy of its benefits.Methods: We conducted a scoping review of published literature on PubMed on August 15, 2022, using PRISMA-ScR protocol, for articles discussing methods to estimate THN reversals in the community. The following search terms were used: naloxone AND (“take home” OR kit OR “community distribution” OR “naloxone distribution”). We used backwards citation searching to potentially find additional studies. Overdose education and naloxone distribution program-based studies that analyzed only single programs were excluded.Results: The database search captured 614 studies, of which 14 studies were relevant. Backwards citation searching of 765 references did not reveal additional relevant studies. Of the 14 relevant studies, 11 were mathematical models. Ten used Markov models, and one used a system dynamics model. Of the remaining three articles, one was a meta-analysis, and two used spatial analysis. Studies ranged in year of publication from 2013–2022 with mathematical modeling increasing in use over time. Only spatial analysis was used with a focus on characterizing local naloxone use at the level of a specific city.Conclusion: Of existing methods to estimate bystander administration of THN, mathematical models are most common, particularly Markov models. System dynamics modeling, meta-analysis, and spatial analysis have also been used. All methods are heavily dependent upon overdose education and naloxone distribution program data published in the literature or available as ongoing surveillance data. Overall, there is a paucity of literature describing methods of estimation and even fewer with methods applied to a local focus that would allow for more targeted distribution of naloxone.

Introduction: Bystander provision of naloxone is a key modality to reduce opioid overdose-related death. Naloxone training courses are available, but no standardized program exists. As part of a bystander empowerment course, we created and evaluated a brief naloxone training module.Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of a naloxone training course, which was paired with Stop the Bleed training for hemorrhage control and was offered to administrative staff in an office building. Participants worked in an organization related to healthcare, but none were clinicians. The curriculum included the following topics: 1) background about the opioid epidemic; 2) how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose; 3) actions not to take when encountering an overdose victim; 4) the correct steps to take when encountering an overdose victim; 5) an overview of naloxone products; and 6) Good Samaritan protection laws. The 20-minute didactic section was followed by a hands-on session with nasal naloxone kits and a simulation mannequin. The course was evaluated with the Opioid Overdose Knowledge (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitudes (OOAS) scales for take-home naloxone training evaluation. We used the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare scores pre- and post-course.Results: Twenty-eight participants completed the course. The OOKS, measuring objective knowledge about opioid overdose and naloxone, had improved scores from a median of 73.2% (interquartile range [IQR] 68.3%–79.9%) to 91.5% (IQR 85.4%–95.1%), P < 0.001. The three domains on the OOAS score also showed statistically significant results. Competency to manage an overdose improved on a five-point scale from a median of 2.5 (IQR 2.4–2.9) to a median of 3.7 (IQR 3.5–4.1), P < 0.001. Concerns about managing an overdose decreased (improved) from a median of 2.3 (IQR 1.9–2.6) to median 1.8 (IQR 1.5–2.1), P < 0.001. Readiness to intervene in an opioid overdose improved from a median of 4 (IQR 3.8–4.2) to a median of 4.2 (IQR 4–4.2), P < 0.001.Conclusion: A brief course designed to teach bystanders about opioid overdose and naloxone was feasible and effective. We encourage hospitals and other organizations to use and promulgate this model. Furthermore, we suggest the convening of a national consortium to achieve consensus on program content and delivery.

Objectives. To describe the current financial health of syringe services programs (SSPs) in the United States and to assess the predictors of SSP budget levels and associations with delivery of public health interventions. Methods. We surveyed all known SSPs operating in the United States from February to June 2022 (n = 456), of which 68% responded (n = 311). We used general estimating equations to assess factors influencing SSP budget size and estimated the effects of budget size on multiple measures of SSP services. Results. The median SSP annual budget was $100 000 (interquartile range = $20 159‒$290 000). SSPs operating in urban counties and counties with higher levels of opioid overdose mortality had significantly higher budget levels, while SSPs located in counties with higher levels of Republican voting in 2020 had significantly lower budget levels. SSP budget levels were significantly and positively associated with syringe and naloxone distribution coverage. Conclusions. Current SSP funding levels do not meet minimum benchmarks. Increased funding would help SSPs meet community health needs. Public Health Implications. Federal, state, and local initiatives should prioritize sustained SSP funding to optimize their potential in addressing multiple public health crises. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(4):435-443. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307583).

ImportanceThe incidence of opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OA-OHCA) has grown from less than 1% of OHCA in 2000 to between 7% and 14% of OHCA in recent years; American Heart Association (AHA) protocols suggest that emergency medical service (EMS) clinicians consider naloxone in OA-OHCA. However, it is unknown whether naloxone improves survival in these patients or in patients with undifferentiated OHCA.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of naloxone with clinical outcomes in patients with undifferentiated OHCA.Design, setting, and participantsRetrospective cohort study of EMS-treated patients aged 18 or older who received EMS treatment for nontraumatic OHCA in 3 Northern California counties between 2015 and 2023. Data were analyzed using propensity score-based models from February to April 2024.ExposureEMS administration of naloxone.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge; the secondary outcome was sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Covariates included patient and cardiac arrest characteristics (eg, age, sex, nonshockable rhythm, any comorbidity, unwitnessed arrest, and EMS agency) and EMS clinician determination of OHCA cause as presumed drug-related.ResultsAmong 8195 patients (median [IQR] age, 65 [51-78] years; 5540 male [67.6%]; 1304 Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander [15.9%]; 1119 Black [13.7%]; 2538 White [31.0%]) with OHCA treated by 5 EMS agencies from 2015 to 2023, 715 (8.7%) were believed by treating clinicians to have drug-related OHCA. Naloxone was administered to 1165 patients (14.2%) and was associated with increased ROSC using both nearest neighbor propensity matching (absolute risk difference [ARD], 15.2%; 95% CI, 9.9%-20.6%) and inverse propensity-weighted regression adjustment (ARD, 11.8%; 95% CI, 7.3%-16.4%). Naloxone was also associated with increased survival to hospital discharge using both nearest neighbor propensity matching (ARD, 6.2%; 95% CI, 2.3%-10.0%) and inverse propensity-weighted regression adjustment (ARD, 3.9%; 95% CI, 1.1%-6.7%). The number needed to treat with naloxone was 9 for ROSC and 26 for survival to hospital discharge. In a regression model that assessed effect modification between naloxone and presumed drug-related OHCA, naloxone was associated with improved survival to hospital discharge in both the presumed drug-related OHCA (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; 95% CI, 1.34-4.58) and non-drug-related OHCA groups (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04-1.77).Conclusions and relevanceIn this retrospective cohort study, naloxone administration as part of EMS management of OHCA was associated with increased rates of ROSC and increased survival to hospital discharge when evaluated using propensity score-based models. Given the lack of clinical practice data on the efficacy of naloxone in OA-OHCA and OHCA in general, these findings support further evaluation of naloxone as part of cardiac arrest care.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-driven naloxone training of resident physicians as part of discharge prescribing from an inpatient psychiatric unit.MethodsThis is a prospective pilot study in which psychiatric resident physicians (N = 21) were educated on naloxone administration, prescribing, and counseling. A ten-question survey was designed and delivered immediately pre- and post-training to assess resident knowledge of and comfort with naloxone prescribing. Respondents were asked to rate ten statements on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 corresponding to "strongly disagree" and 5 corresponding to "strongly agree." The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of training on prescriber knowledge and attitudes using the designed questionnaire. The secondary objective was to assess the difference in naloxone prescribing pre- and post-training implementation. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were conducted to assess statistical significance.ResultsPrior to training, 11 resident physicians (approximately 50%) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt knowledgeable about naloxone and approximately 70% (n = 15) felt confident identifying patients who would benefit from naloxone at discharge. Only 10% of resident physicians (n = 2) felt comfortable counseling patients on and administering naloxone during an overdose pre-training compared to 100% after training. Thirty-seven patients were discharged and counseled on naloxone use during the study period.ConclusionPharmacist-driven naloxone training significantly increased physician knowledge and comfort prescribing naloxone and resulted in an increase in naloxone prescriptions upon discharge from an inpatient psychiatric unit.