Assessment of knowledge and behaviors of an opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution program during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Abstract

Abstract Background: The state of Louisiana ranked 4th in the US for per capita overdose rates as 56 out of 100,000 persons died due to overdose and 1,300 of those deaths involved opioids. Opioid involved deaths increased 131% between 2019–2022. A pharmacist-led OEND program was developed at a SSP in New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to increased client enrolment during that time. The purpose of this research is to characterize the clients who participated in the OEND and to assess their learned knowledge and behaviors over time. Methods: A pharmacist led OEND program was created in April 2020 at a syringe access program in New Orleans, Louisiana. OEND was provided by a licensed pharmacist and student pharmacists. OEND coincided with the SSPs activities one time a week. Participants first received harm reduction supplies through the syringe access program and then had the option of receiving OEND. Patients' demographic information was collected. Participants who said they received opioid overdose education from our OEND program were verbally given a knowledge and behavior assessment. Participants knowledge and behaviors were scored using a rubric. Results: A total of 32 OEND sessions were held from July 2020 through February 2023 resulting in 1453 overall participant interactions. Repeat participants completed 269 visits and averaged 2.3 visits in three years. The average age of participants who received OEND was 40 years old. Additionally, participants who accessed OEND were primarily white (68.1%, n = 989/1453) and mostly male (59.1%, n = 859/1453). Among the participants who visited the OEND station more than once, 160 responses were collected for how helpful the previous education session had been. Of these responses, 75% (= 120/160) were “Very helpful”. Average scores on our knowledge assessment showed no significant change over time for repeat visitors showing participants retained at least basic knowledge. Conclusions: OEND programs established at SSPs play an important role in providing education to PWUD. Participants knowledge sustained over time; however, refresher education sessions may be valuable to ensure participants stay accurately informed. Participants find OEND helpful. As naloxone continues to become increasingly available, OEND is necessary in preventing opioid overdose deaths.