title: The feasibility of pharmacy-based naloxone distribution interventions: a qualitative study with injection drug users and pharmacy staff in Rhode Island.
abstract: This study analyzed qualitative data from a Rapid Policy Assessment and Response project to assess the feasibility of a potential pharmacy-based naloxone intervention to reduce opioid overdose mortality among injection drug users (IDUs). We conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with 21 IDUs and 21 pharmacy staff (pharmacists and technicians). Although most participants supported the idea of a pharmacy-based naloxone intervention, several barriers were identified, including misinformation about naloxone, interpersonal relationships between IDUs and pharmacy staff, and costs of such an intervention. Implications for future pharmacy-based overdose prevention interventions for IDUs, including pharmacy-based naloxone distribution, are considered. The study's limitations are noted.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. nzaller@lifespan.org
authors.forename: Nickolas D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Zaller
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Yokell
authors.forename: Traci Craig
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gaggin
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Case
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000517:prevention & control; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012237:Rhode Island; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009270:Naloxone