Readiness of Pharmacists Based in Utah About Pain Management and Opioid Dispensing

Abstract

Prescription opioid use disorder is a growing epidemic and pharmacists as the dispensers of prescription drugs can play a crucial role in the management of the opioid crisis. However, few studies have examined pharmacists’ perceptions of their role in it. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of pharmacists in Utah regarding their role in the opioid epidemic. The study utilized a cross sectional online survey design to understand the pharmacist knowledge and beliefs regarding pain management, opioids, naloxone, and the various opioid risk identification tools. Frequencies, t-tests, and chi-squared were used to describe and analyze the data. A total of 239 surveys were qualified for analysis. Analysis showed that pharmacists have positive attitudes towards opioid crisis management; however, this positive attitude was higher among newer pharmacists. Though the pharmacists were knowledgeable with the opioid pharmacotherapy and prescribing guidelines, they demonstrated education needs for hands-on training when faced with a situation of prescription opioid use disorder in their practice. The use of risk identification tools was not prevalent. Results show lack of active participation by pharmacists in this major public health challenge, and the need for education in several aspects of opioid dispensing, naloxone use, and efficient use of risk identification tools.

The Role of the Pharmacist in Combating the Opioid Crisis: An Update

“…Only half of the respondents felt that pharmacists should educate physicians about opioid pharmacotherapy or establishing a collaborative practice agreement. 64 …”

“…63 A survey of Utah pharmacists investigated the pharmacists' perceptions towards topics such as opioids, pain management, and naloxone. 64 Pharmacists held positive attitudes toward dispensing naloxone to patients at high risk for opioid overdose or a third party of those at high risk for opioid abuse. Pharmacists should educate and counsel patients on the risk of addiction with regard to use or extended duration of opioids, and the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.…”

“…Only half of the respondents felt that pharmacists should educate physicians about opioid pharmacotherapy or establishing a collaborative practice agreement. 64 A qualitative survey of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia pharmacists explored perspectives with regard to prescription opioid misuse. 58 Multiple domains identified included overprescribing opioids, policy and practice recommendations, prescriber pharmacist relationship, negative attitudes of pharmacists, unintended consequences, and personal experience.…”

A naturalistic observation study of medication counseling practices at retail chain pharmacies

“…[3][4][5] Certain medications like opioids need to be dispensed only under pharmacist supervision. 6 However, medication counseling may be often declined by the patients. 3,7 Understanding the role of pharmacists and technicians in the patient counseling process is thus necessary.…”

<p>Screening tools for detecting problematic opioid use and potential application to community pharmacy practice: a review</p>

“…Due to these factors, namely relatively easy access to patients and extensive drug and healthcare knowledge, the implementation of practical screening tools in community pharmacies may be an effective strategy to identify patients who exhibit problematic opioid use. However, previous research that has studied pharmacist interest and ability to identify and engage patients regarding opioid use has shown that while most pharmacists view problematic use as a major concern, they report lack both the tools and training to effectively do so 27,28…”