Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: In 2017, the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) declared the nation’s opioid crisis a public health emergency. To combat this growing issue, DHHS announced a 5-point strategy that included promoting the use of overdose-reducing medications. Naloxone, a short acting opioid antagonist, is the agent of choice. Clinical pharmacy specialists (CPS) within the VA New Jersey Healthcare System (VANJHCS) have the authority to prescribe naloxone under a defined scope of practice. The primary outcome of this quality improvement project is to determine if education can increase the number of naloxone prescriptions provided to eligible patients.
Methods: This is a quality improvement project within the VANJHCS looking to assess the effectiveness of education on CPS prescribing practices. Primary care is a large therapeutic area within the VA, therefore CPSs working in primary care as part of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) will be the focus of this research. An initial retrospective chart review and data extraction using the electronic health record will be conducted on orders for naloxone intranasal spray and auto injectors written June through August 2018 by PACT CPSs. Education will begin October 1 and will consist of small group presentations 15-30-minutes in length. Each presentation will focus on naloxone’s place in therapy, available products, ordering and appropriate documentation, pertinent patient populations, and patient counseling points. Post-education, a second chart review and data extraction will be conducted on orders for naloxone intranasal spray and auto injectors. Post-education data collection will begin one day after each education session and continue for three months. Data will be analyzed by assessing the change in number of prescriptions pre- and post-education. A post education survey will be administered to assess for satisfaction regarding the education and information provided.
Results: not applicable
Conclusion: not applicable
Janee Jones
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, VA New Jersey Healthcare System, Bloomfield, NJ138 Views