Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluation
Abstract Objectives We evaluated a novel leave‐behind naloxone (LBN) program that allows Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to distribute naloxone after an opioid overdose. Our objective was to explore EMS engagement and experiences with the program, as well as interest in education on addic...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/emp2.13300 |
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| author | Emily E. Ager Ella K. Purington Megan H. Purdy Brian Benenati Jessica E. Baker Christine Jane Schellack Graham C. Smith Nathaniel R. Hunt Eve D. Losman |
| author_facet | Emily E. Ager Ella K. Purington Megan H. Purdy Brian Benenati Jessica E. Baker Christine Jane Schellack Graham C. Smith Nathaniel R. Hunt Eve D. Losman |
| author_sort | Emily E. Ager |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Objectives We evaluated a novel leave‐behind naloxone (LBN) program that allows Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to distribute naloxone after an opioid overdose. Our objective was to explore EMS engagement and experiences with the program, as well as interest in education on addiction and harm reduction. We also assessed the acceptability of LBN programs among people who use drugs (PWUD). Methods We conducted telephone interviews with EMS personnel and residents of substance use recovery housing between February and September 2023. EMS personnel described their direct experiences with the LBN program and perceived facilitating factors and barriers to naloxone distribution. First responder interactions and support for LBN were explored with PWUD. A rapid assessment method was used to analyze the interview data. Results Eighteen of the 23 EMS participants had distributed LBN; most agreed EMS agencies should have an LBN program. Barriers included forgetting, patient acuity, patients declining, and perceived liability. Facilitators included having a clear protocol, accessible kits, and minimal documentation burden. The majority expressed interest in harm reduction education. Eight of the 11 PWUD participants reported recent involvement in an opioid overdose. The majority supported LBN and felt comfortable receiving naloxone training from EMS. Conclusion In this qualitative evaluation, we found broad support for EMS‐based naloxone distribution among EMS personnel and PWUD. We identified several modifiable barriers to the success of such programs, which should be the subject of future investigation. EMS and harm reduction communities should support the expansion of LBN programs across the United States. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f9a328f3ccf84ddcb8bc6ecb2ffb12cc |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2688-1152 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-10-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open |
| spelling | doaj-art-f9a328f3ccf84ddcb8bc6ecb2ffb12cc2025-08-20T02:05:07ZengElsevierJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open2688-11522024-10-0155n/an/a10.1002/emp2.13300Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluationEmily E. Ager0Ella K. Purington1Megan H. Purdy2Brian Benenati3Jessica E. Baker4Christine Jane Schellack5Graham C. Smith6Nathaniel R. Hunt7Eve D. Losman8Department of Emergency Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USADepartment of Emergency Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USADepartment of Emergency Medicine Denver Health Denver Colorado USADepartment of Emergency Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USADepartment of Emergency Medicine UCLA Health Los Angeles California USADepartment of Emergency Medicine UCLA Health Los Angeles California USADepartment of Emergency Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USADepartment of Emergency Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USADepartment of Emergency Medicine University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California USAAbstract Objectives We evaluated a novel leave‐behind naloxone (LBN) program that allows Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to distribute naloxone after an opioid overdose. Our objective was to explore EMS engagement and experiences with the program, as well as interest in education on addiction and harm reduction. We also assessed the acceptability of LBN programs among people who use drugs (PWUD). Methods We conducted telephone interviews with EMS personnel and residents of substance use recovery housing between February and September 2023. EMS personnel described their direct experiences with the LBN program and perceived facilitating factors and barriers to naloxone distribution. First responder interactions and support for LBN were explored with PWUD. A rapid assessment method was used to analyze the interview data. Results Eighteen of the 23 EMS participants had distributed LBN; most agreed EMS agencies should have an LBN program. Barriers included forgetting, patient acuity, patients declining, and perceived liability. Facilitators included having a clear protocol, accessible kits, and minimal documentation burden. The majority expressed interest in harm reduction education. Eight of the 11 PWUD participants reported recent involvement in an opioid overdose. The majority supported LBN and felt comfortable receiving naloxone training from EMS. Conclusion In this qualitative evaluation, we found broad support for EMS‐based naloxone distribution among EMS personnel and PWUD. We identified several modifiable barriers to the success of such programs, which should be the subject of future investigation. EMS and harm reduction communities should support the expansion of LBN programs across the United States.https://doi.org/10.1002/emp2.13300addictionEMSharm reductionleave‐behind naloxonenaloxonesubstance use |
| spellingShingle | Emily E. Ager Ella K. Purington Megan H. Purdy Brian Benenati Jessica E. Baker Christine Jane Schellack Graham C. Smith Nathaniel R. Hunt Eve D. Losman Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluation Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open addiction EMS harm reduction leave‐behind naloxone naloxone substance use |
| title | Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluation |
| title_full | Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluation |
| title_fullStr | Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluation |
| title_short | Implementation of an EMS‐based naloxone distribution program: A qualitative evaluation |
| title_sort | implementation of an ems based naloxone distribution program a qualitative evaluation |
| topic | addiction EMS harm reduction leave‐behind naloxone naloxone substance use |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/emp2.13300 |
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