Knowledge and attitudes of final year pharmacy students toward opioid substitution therapy

Abstract

Background Opioid substitution therapy (OST) prevents opioid withdrawal and positively affects clients and the community. In 2013 there were 47 442 Australian OST clients, and 88% of these received their services in pharmacies. Provision of OST is currently offered in only two out of every five community pharmacies, and therefore it is crucial that competent registered Australian pharmacists be comfortable in its execution. Aim To examine the knowledge and attitudes of final year pharmacy students toward OST. Method A survey was developed and all final year pharmacy students from the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) were given the opportunity to participate (n = 251 and 79 respectively). Respondents were divided into three cohorts; inexperienced, indirectly experienced, and directly experienced with OST provision. Results Sixty‐four students completed all of the survey questions (51 from UQ and 13 from QUT). The average number of correct scores for the knowledge questions was 3.7, 4.2 and 4.2 out of eight for inexperienced, indirectly experienced and directly experienced students respectively. There was a large number of ‘I don't know’ responses for the knowledge questions. Overall, respondents indicated a positive association with the OST program, but only 33% of respondents said they would be comfortable providing OST as a new graduate. Conclusion Students would be more comfortable providing OST if greater education and training were available. OST provision is offered by 39% of pharmacies and it is important that graduate pharmacists be comfortable providing this service. Increased education within the current Bachelor program is recommended.