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Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum

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Published on: August 5, 2020

Considerations for the design of overdose education and naloxone distribution interventions: results of a

Kate Sellen¹, Benjamin Markowitz², Janet A Parsons²

¹Health Design Studio, OCAD University, Toronto, ON, M5T 1W1, Canada. ksellen@faculty.ocadu.ca.

BMC Public Health

|May 15, 2023

Abstract

Introduction:

Opioid overdose epidemic is a public health crisis that is impacting communities around the world. Overdose education and naloxone distribution programs equip and train lay people to respond in the event of an overdose. We aimed to understand factors to consider for the design of naloxone distribution programs in point-of-care settings from the point of view of community stakeholders.

Methods:

We hosted a multi-stakeholder co-design workshop to elicit suggestions for a naloxone distribution program. We recruited people with lived experience of opioid overdose, community representatives, and other stakeholders from family practice, emergency medicine, addictions medicine, and public health to participate in a full-day facilitated co-design discussion wherein large and small group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic approaches.

Results:

A total of twenty-four participants participated in the multi-stakeholder workshop from five stakeholder groups including geographic and setting diversity. Collaborative dialogue and shared storytelling revealed seven considerations for the design of naloxone distribution programs specific to training needs and the provision of naloxone, these are: recognizing overdose, how much naloxone, impact of stigma, legal risk of responding, position as conventional first aid, friends and family as responders, support to call 911.

Conclusion:

To create an naloxone distribution program in emergency departments, family practice and substance use treatment services, stigma is a central design consideration for training and naloxone kits. Design choices that reference the iconography, type, and form of materials associated with first aid have the potential to satisfy the need to de-stigmatize overdose response.

Keywords:

Co-design Harm reduction Naloxone distribution Opioid overdose Overdose education Stigma

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