Evaluation of an Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Practicum Using Experiential Learning

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Experiential Learning
• Harm Reduction

Background:

• Opioid overdose is a critical public health crisis.
• Harm reduction strategies, including education and naloxone distribution, are vital.
• Integrating these strategies into graduate training offers unique benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an opioid education and naloxone distribution (OEND) practicum within a Master of Public Health program.
• To assess the feasibility and impact of embedding OEND into graduate public health training.
• To explore the application of Kolb's experiential learning cycle in public health practicums.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative evaluation of program enrollment and volunteer participation.
• Assessment of practicum students' ability to organize and conduct OEND events.
• Analysis of pre-post surveys measuring participant knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.

Main Results:

• Practicum students successfully recruited, scheduled, and completed OEND events.
• Participants showed significant improvements in recognizing and responding to opioid overdoses.
• Opportunities for structured student reflection increased over the practicum duration.

Conclusions:

• Integrating harm reduction education into graduate training via experiential learning is effective.
• The OEND practicum enhanced student development and community preparedness for opioid overdose.
• The experiential learning cycle can strengthen future public health practicums for harm reduction initiatives.