Naloxone Nasal Spray Treatment as Education in an Outpatient Treatment Setting

Abstract

Purpose: The central objective of this quality improvement initiative was to instruct healthcareproviders and nonclinical personnel at Anthem Health Care Integrated Health and Psychiatry in the proper utilization of naloxone nasal spray. This initiative aimed to elevate their foundational understanding, confidence, demeanor, and preparedness in deploying naloxone nasal spray as an intervention for opioid overdoses. Background: The persistent opioid overdose crisis demands a harm reduction approach, involving widespread naloxone distribution, education, and bystander involvement. This multifaceted strategy aims to curtail opioid-related fatalities and enhance the socio-economic well-being of communities in the United States. Method: Asynchronized learning was used to provide evidence-based education to staff and providers in a local clinical setting. As part of the educational intervention, participants learned how to identify opioid overdose symptoms and how to use the naloxone nasal spray kit to reverse the effects of an overdose. An evaluation of pre- and post-surveys was conducted to determine if the educational intervention made a difference in pre- and post-differences in knowledge, comfort, attitude, and readiness to receive the intervention. Participants were evaluated pre- and post-participation using the self-administered opioid overdose knowledge scale and opioid overdose attitude scale. Results: Analysis of pre- and post-surveys was performed using cumulative percentages and mean average scores. A total of nine (N=9) clinical and nonclinical staff participated and completed the education intervention. A comparison of pre- and post-survey results showed an increase in participants’ knowledge (+7% gain) and in their comfort, attitude, and readiness to use naloxone nasal spray (mean average +0.238 change). Conclusion: Through educational interventions, participants, both clinical and nonclinical, saw significant improvements in their understanding, comfort levels, perspectives, and readiness to address opioid overdoses with naloxone nasal spray. Bridging the knowledge gap, reducing stigma, and fostering positive attitudes among providers and staff are crucial for effective naloxone use. In the ongoing opioid overdose crisis, this initiative instilled hope and potential for the 43 million Americans impacted by opioid misuse, emphasizing the vital role of harm reduction measures in preventing fatalities.