Preparing pharmacy students to manage the opioid crisis

Objective. To educate third year pharmacy students about the role of pharmacists in managing the opioid crisis and measure their knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards opioids and opioid overdose.Methods. All third-year pharmacy students (n=130) participated in an opioid overdose and naloxone education training lecture followed by a three-part laboratory activity including: mock naloxone counseling, case-based Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) discussion, and equianalgesic opioid dose conversion scenarios. A pre- and post-assessment, focused on the individual’s clinical knowledge, confidence, and attitudes about opioid overdose management and naloxone use, was administered before and after the laboratory to evaluate the student’s baseline understanding and experience compared to learning gains from the session. An evaluation of the laboratory was also conducted.Results. Upon completion, the opioid laboratory achieved a favorable rating of 99%, in which 59% considered it as “excellent” and ...