Assessing knowledge and beliefs in harm reduction strategies among student pharmacists: A pilot study

In 2022 Louisiana ranked 4th in opioid overdose deaths and ranked above the national average in opioid prescription rates. To help combat the opioid epidemic in Louisiana faculty members received a grant for harm reduction education. The purpose of this study is to assess an adaptable education program developed to train student pharmacists on harm reduction and substance use disorders.

In this IRB approved observational pilot study, student pharmacists were recruited through e-mail to participate in two offerings of an education session. An informed consent was completed at the start of the education session. Pre-survey questions included demographic data, and the pre-survey and post survey included the validated Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitude Scale (OOAS). A paired two-sided t-test was used to evaluate any changes. The program consisted of an introduction to common opioids, medical facts, stigma, issues with administering opioid reversal medications, Louisiana legislation, fentanyl test strip demonstration, overdose risk factors, and a simulated opioid overdose scenario. At the program's end, each participant received a certificate and a harm reduction kit.

110 participants completed the training with most of the participants identifying as white/Caucasian and female (72 % and 79 % respectively). The OOKS showed a positive 3.83 (p < .001) increase and the OOAS had an increase of 19.90 (p < .001). The competency of managing an overdose subscale showed the largest increase.

Overall participants' opioid overdose knowledge and attitudes increased; therefore, the findings of our study indicate the education program can be used successfully in student pharmacists.