Implementation of a North Dakota opioid misuse and overdose prevention program in West Virginia

Abstract

Background

Pharmacy has an important role in combating the opioid epidemic. However, there is a need for more consistency of programs and evidence-based practices across the country.

Objectives

To describe how an evidence-based opioid misuse and overdose prevention program that originated in North Dakota was implemented in West Virginia and to compare program results between the two states including pharmacist interventions and patient screening for opioid misuse and overdose.

Practice description

This advancement in practice took place in participating North Dakota and West Virginia community pharmacies.

Practice innovation

An evidence-based program that originated in North Dakota was implemented in West Virginia. The details of this collaboration are outlined in this manuscript.

Evaluation methods

Program screening and pharmacist intervention data were collected using DocStation, an online pharmacy patient management platform.

Results

Thirty-four pharmacies in West Virginia implemented the program. Between April 2022 and September 2023, a total of 34 West Virginia pharmacies conducted 449 documented screenings compared to 12,105 screenings by 81 pharmacies in North Dakota over the same time. There were differences between the states with regard to the proportion of individuals screened as high-risk for opioid use disorder and individuals at risk of accidental opioid overdose likely attributable to different demographics.

Conclusion

An opioid misuse and prevention program was successfully implemented in two states, which can serve as a model to implement similar programs in other pharmacies across the United States.