Indiana community pharmacist preceptors' knowledge and perceptions of medication-assisted treatment

The study aim was to characterize the Indiana community-based pharmacist preceptors' knowledge and perceptions of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). The secondary objectives were to explore the desired resources, dispensing concerns, and preceptors' involvement in precepting students.

A 38-item survey was used to collect respondent demographics, knowledge, and perceptions of MAT for OUD. Perception questions were developed using the social cognitive theory and were adapted from previously published surveys with investigators' permission.

Community-based Indiana pharmacist preceptors were eligible to complete an electronic survey in February and March 2019.

Descriptive statistics were used to characterize preceptor knowledge and perceptions of MAT for OUD. Desired MAT resources, dispensing concerns, and level of involvement in precepting students were collected. Respondent demographics were collected to characterize the study sample.

Of the 116 survey responses, 104 were eligible, and 79 community-based pharmacist preceptors completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 76.0%. For knowledge questions, the overall correct score was 56.2%. Respondents had high correct scores on questions related to medication access. However, respondents either self-identified or performed poorly on the following knowledge items: Food and Drug Administration-approved MAT products for OUD, the need to provide an opioid-free interval before initiating treatment with buprenorphine and naltrexone, pregnancy recommendations, and treatment of severe OUD. Respondents reported positive perceptions on MAT for OUD, but identified concerns regarding diversion and misuse of MAT. Most respondents reported a desire for additional education on different aspects of MAT for OUD. Dispensing concerns and preceptors' involvement with students in MAT ranged from no concern and lack of involvement to many different concerns and full student involvement.

Opportunities exist to fill identified gaps in knowledge, enhance perceptions, and provide desired continuing education for community-based pharmacist preceptors on MAT for OUD.