Abstract
Background
Limited data exist on when to offer naloxone to cancer patients on opioid therapy.
Measures
We assessed patient and clinician attitudes on naloxone education (done via surveys
at initial and follow up visits) and prescribing rates (via chart reviews) at a single
ambulatory palliative care practice. Pharmacy records assessed naloxone dispense rates.
Intervention
During a three-month period, all new patients receiving opioid therapy were offered
naloxone. Standardized educational materials on opioid safety and naloxone use were
created and shared by clinical team.
Outcomes
Naloxone prescribing rates increased from 5% to 66%. 92% (n = 23) of clinicians reported education/prescribing took ≤ five minutes, and 100%
reported either a positive or neutral impact on the encounter. A total of 81% (n = 25) of patients reported no increased worry about opioid use, 68% (n = 21) felt safer with naloxone, and 97% rated the encounter as neutral or positive.
88% (n = 37) of prescriptions were dispensed and 67% of patients (n = 16) paid <$10.
Conclusions/Lessons Learned
Opioid safety education and naloxone prescribing can be done quickly and is well-received
by clinicians and patients.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 27, 2022
Accepted:
December 20,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
