Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
05:52
Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
Published on: November 26, 2013
22.2K
Protocol for Take-home naloxone In Multicentre Emergency (TIME) settings: feasibility study
Matthew Jones1, Fiona Bell2, Jonathan Benger3
1Swansea University, Wales, UK.
Pilot and Feasibility Studies
|July 17, 2020
Summary
This study assesses the feasibility of distributing take-home naloxone (THN) kits in emergency settings to combat rising opioid overdose deaths. Findings will inform a larger trial on THN
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid overdose deaths, particularly from heroin, are a global crisis with record levels in the UK.
- Take-home naloxone (THN) kits are distributed to witnesses for overdose emergencies, saving lives individually.
- Limited evidence exists on THN's aggregate effectiveness in specialist drug or emergency services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of a large-scale cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) for THN distribution in emergency settings.
- To investigate whether THN kits reduce opioid overdose deaths in at-risk populations.
- To assess potential unforeseen harms and cost-effectiveness of THN distribution.
Main Methods:
- A feasibility study for an RCT of THN distribution in emergency settings across four sites (Emergency Department and ambulance service clusters).
- Intervention sites: paramedics and ED staff distribute THN to at-risk patients; control sites maintain usual practice.
- Data collection includes deaths, admissions, kit issuance, NHS resource use, and participant identification for up to 1 year post-recruitment.
Main Results:
- The study aims to establish feasibility based on pre-defined progression criteria for site recruitment, staff training, participant identification, THN provision, and outcome retrieval.
- Specific criteria include: 4 sites signed up, ≥50% staff trained, ≥50% eligible participants identified and receiving THN, ≥75% high-risk individuals identified for follow-up, ≥75% outcomes retrieved, and <10% adverse event rate difference.
Conclusions:
- This is the first randomised, robust investigation of THN distribution in emergency settings.
- The study addresses a critical evidence gap regarding THN's effectiveness in emergency care.
- Novel methods for participant identification and data capture are employed due to the infeasibility of informed consent in emergency settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
1.3K
The enteral drug administration involves three primary routes: oral, sublingual, and buccal. Oral ingestion is the most prevalent, safe, economical, and convenient method for drug administration. However, it has certain drawbacks, including limited absorption due to the drug's low water solubility or poor membrane permeability, possible emesis from GI mucosa irritation, destruction of drugs by digestive enzymes or low gastric pH, and irregular absorption along with food or other drugs.
1.3K
01:25Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
353
Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
353
01:11Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies
112
Bioavailability studies are essential for understanding how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. These studies assess the extent and rate at which the active pharmaceutical agent becomes available at the site of action. The design of bioavailability studies can involve single-dose or multiple-dose regimens, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Single-dose studies are the preferred approach due to their simplicity and reduced drug exposure for...
112
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
778
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
778
01:24Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
137
Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...
137