Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution by Occupation: A Scoping Review
Sarah Febres-Cordero1, Daniel Jackson Smith2, Sharon L Leslie3
1Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University.
Workplace Health & Safety
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Workplace opioid education and naloxone distribution (OEND) training is vital. Most training targets healthcare workers, but service and construction sectors need more tailored interventions to reduce overdose deaths.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Opioid Overdose Prevention
Background:
- US opioid overdose deaths surged to 108,000 in 2022, with many occurring outside clinical settings.
- Workplace interventions, including naloxone training, are increasingly necessary across industries.
- This study examines Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) literature through an occupational health perspective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on OEND training by occupation.
- To identify underrepresented occupational groups in OEND programs.
- To inform future workplace-based overdose prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review adhering to PRISMA-ScR and Arksey/O'Malley frameworks.
- Comprehensive literature search from 2011-2023 across multiple databases.
- Inclusion criteria focused on occupational demographics and OEND program impacts.
Main Results:
- Seventy-five studies were included in the review.
- OEND training predominantly targeted healthcare providers (71%) and first responders (24%).
- Service industry, construction, and library workers were significantly underrepresented in OEND programs.
Conclusions:
- Expanding naloxone access and OEND training is critical for reducing opioid overdose deaths.
- Tailored OEND programs and harm reduction strategies are needed for underrepresented occupational groups.
- Occupational health nurses should lead efforts to broaden OEND program reach in diverse workplaces.
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