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Assessing suboxone access in community pharmacies: Secret shopper model
Bethany A DiPaula1, Catherine E Cooke1
1University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, USA.
Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy
|November 29, 2023
Summary
Suboxone availability in Maryland pharmacies is limited, with only 31% having it for immediate pick-up. Many patients may face challenges accessing this crucial medication.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment is a public health priority.
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a key medication for OUD management.
- Accessibility of Suboxone in community pharmacies impacts treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the availability of Suboxone for dispensing in Maryland community pharmacies.
- To identify potential barriers to Suboxone access.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing a secret shopper model.
- Contacted 1046 public-facing community pharmacies in Maryland.
- In-person visits for pharmacies with limited availability to assess dispensing barriers.
Main Results:
- Suboxone was available for immediate pick-up in only 31% (326/1046) of pharmacies.
- 31% of pharmacies had Suboxone available for immediate pick-up.
- Availability varied by region and pharmacist interaction; some pharmacies had limited access.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 69% of patients may encounter difficulties obtaining Suboxone in Maryland.
- Improved patient education and investigation of pharmacy system barriers are needed.
- Addressing these barriers can enhance access to OUD treatment.
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