Training community pharmacists to intervene for opioid safety

What is it about?

Pharmacists are arguably the most informed stakeholders in the opioid crisis, but many are unclear of their role to intervene for patient safety. This evidence-based training program encourages pharmacists to take a more prominent role for opioid safety. Identification, communication, and motivation skills are relayed through an hour-long, self-paced online training program called RESPOND (Resources Encouraging Safety Prescription Opioid and Naloxone Dispensing). Participants in the RESPOND pilot study showed significant, strong improvement in knowledge, and moderate improvements in perceived behavioral control (aka, belief that they have the power to intervene) and self-efficacy. The RESPOND training is now widely available as a Continuing Education course through Oregon State University.

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The opioid crisis has claimed millions of lives across the United States. High and, at times, inappropriate prescribing of opioids has resulted in preventable opioid dependency for many more. Community pharmacists have direct access to the patient population and advanced knowledge of pharmacology and impacts of opioid use. Yet, many pharmacists fail to understand the power of their role to intervene on behalf of patient safety. This training is a cost-effective, flexible solution to provide pharmacists the self-efficacy and skills to positively impact public health and potentially save lives.

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