A Qualitative Examination of Responses from a Survey of Pharmacy Staff in Georgia Regarding Access to Narcan®
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| Title: | A Qualitative Examination of Responses from a Survey of Pharmacy Staff in Georgia Regarding Access to Narcan® |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Griner, Thomas, Strasser, Sheryl |
| Source: | Health Education Research. Aug 2021 36(4):467-477. |
| Availability: | Oxford University Press. Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP, UK. Tel: +44-1865-353907; Fax: +44-1865-353485; e-mail: jnls.cust.serv@oxfordjournals.org; Web site: http://her.oxfordjournals.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2021 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Drug Therapy, Pharmacy, Health Personnel, State Legislation, Compliance (Legal), Bias, Familiarity |
| Geographic Terms: | Georgia |
| DOI: | 10.1093/her/cyab024 |
| ISSN: | 0268-1153 |
| Abstract: | Georgia state lawmakers enacted legislation designed to reduce opioid overdose deaths by increasing public access to rescue products, such as Narcan®. This article explores whether pharmacy employees have effectively adopted such changes into pharmacy practice. We analyzed unsolicited remarks noted during a parent telephone survey of 120 Georgia pharmacy staff regarding price, availability and barriers to layperson purchase of Narcan®. Comments regarding dispensing requirements and challenges in obtaining inventory and changes in communication style were recorded. Around 15% were unfamiliar with Narcan® as an opioid overdose reversal agent or were unaware of their pharmacy's policies governing its sale. Nearly half of those contacted did not have Narcan® in stock with some reporting that receiving Narcan® would take several days after placing an order. Over half specified requirements for purchasing Narcan® not required by law. Fewer than 15% had Narcan® available and imposed no unnecessary requirements for its purchase. During approximately 10% of the survey calls, respondents used a tone of voice or made comments suggestive of bias. We conclude that non-compliance with current laws, lack of familiarity with Narcan® and negative communication tendencies that suggest implicit bias and stigmatizing behaviors could ultimately inhibit access to opioid overdose treatment. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2022 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1324316 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Georgia state lawmakers enacted legislation designed to reduce opioid overdose deaths by increasing public access to rescue products, such as Narcan®. This article explores whether pharmacy employees have effectively adopted such changes into pharmacy practice. We analyzed unsolicited remarks noted during a parent telephone survey of 120 Georgia pharmacy staff regarding price, availability and barriers to layperson purchase of Narcan®. Comments regarding dispensing requirements and challenges in obtaining inventory and changes in communication style were recorded. Around 15% were unfamiliar with Narcan® as an opioid overdose reversal agent or were unaware of their pharmacy's policies governing its sale. Nearly half of those contacted did not have Narcan® in stock with some reporting that receiving Narcan® would take several days after placing an order. Over half specified requirements for purchasing Narcan® not required by law. Fewer than 15% had Narcan® available and imposed no unnecessary requirements for its purchase. During approximately 10% of the survey calls, respondents used a tone of voice or made comments suggestive of bias. We conclude that non-compliance with current laws, lack of familiarity with Narcan® and negative communication tendencies that suggest implicit bias and stigmatizing behaviors could ultimately inhibit access to opioid overdose treatment. |
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| ISSN: | 0268-1153 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/her/cyab024 |
