Pharmacists' knowledge, support, and perceived roles associated with providing naloxone in the community

Prior to the Michigan naloxone standing order legislation, a sample of Michigan pharmacists was surveyed to (1) identify gaps in knowledge regarding naloxone: (2) assess supportive attitudes towards the standing order and; (3) determine perceived pharmacist roles when providing naloxone.

A 37-item survey was emailed to Michigan Pharmacist Association members (n = 2757), July to August 2016. Responses to knowledge, supportive attitude, and perceived roles items were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Significance set at p < 0.05.

The useable response was 8% (n = 211), 92% white, 54% female, aged 46.5 ± 14.6 years. Knowledge: Eighty-five percent (179/211) agreed laypersons can administer naloxone. Sixty-four percent could identify an opioid overdose and 74% agreed with required pharmacist naloxone education; yet 20% had education. Supportive attitude: Eighty-seven percent (184/211) supported the standing order. Perceived role: Fifty-six percent agreed with responsibility for following patients after providing naloxone. Predictors of agreement were rural practice location (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.0, p = 0.01), and requiring naloxone education (OR = 3.0; 95% CI 1.3-6.8, p = 0.007). Having a Doctor of Pharmacy versus a Bachelor of Science Pharmacy degree decreased odds of agreement by 43.5% (OR = 0.435; 95% CI 0.221-0.857, p = 0.016).

Timing of survey may explain the low number of trained respondents. The increased willingness of BS Pharmacists to follow patients may reflect longer practice and closer community ties. Limitations include low generalizability and small sample.

A small representative sample of Michigan pharmacists is knowledgeable regarding naloxone and has supportive attitudes towards the standing order.