Combating Opioid Overdose With Public Access to Naloxone

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pharmacology
• Health Policy

Background:

• The United States faces an escalating epidemic of opioid overdose deaths.
• Naloxone distribution to the public is a key harm reduction strategy.
• Research and policy literature on this topic requires systematic analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify trends in the current literature on naloxone distribution.
• To identify gaps in existing research findings.
• To explore nursing implications and opportunities for further research and practice.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review approach was employed.
• Keywords "naloxone" and "opioid overdose" were used for retrieval.
• Articles were sourced from multiple academic databases.

Main Results:

• 38 articles were selected for review, categorized into six themes.
• Themes included global trends, U.S. overdose education programs, access barriers, political factors, financial impact, and recommendations.
• Gaps in the literature and nursing implications were identified.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive review of evidence is crucial for advancing research, practice, and policy.
• Identifying literature gaps and nursing opportunities informs healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public.
• This review provides valuable insights into a complex public health initiative.