System intervention in community pharmacy setting: Leading to better patient care through reducing harm associated with coprescribing benzodiazepines and opioids

Angelina Vascimini, PharmD; Kevin Duane, PharmD; Stacey Curtis, PharmD

doi:10.5055/jom.2021.0679

Authors

Angelina Vascimini, PharmD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0638-1214
Kevin Duane, PharmD
Stacey Curtis, PharmD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2021.0679

Keywords:

benzodiazepine, opioid, community pharmacy, reduce harm

Abstract

Objective: The opioid epidemic is frequently discussed including the staggering numbers involved with coprescribing opioids and benzodiazepines associated with death. Community pharmacists, with the help of a system intervention, have a unique opportunity to help reduce the coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids and reduce the associated risk of death.

Design: A single center retrospective chart review was conducted after a system intervention was placed, as a quality improvement project, from November 2019 to May 2020.

Setting: Independent community pharmacy.

Patients/participants: Data included demographics, dosing of each medication pre- and post-intervention, and naloxone status.

Main outcome(s) measures: The primary outcome evaluated was reduction in dose/discontinuation of these prescriptions. The secondary outcome evaluated was the number of naloxone prescriptions ordered per protocol and picked up.

Results: The primary outcome did not show statistical difference; however, the secondary outcomes showed statistical significance.

Conclusion: In conclusion, community pharmacists, with the help of evolving technologies, can reduce harm associated with the coprescribing of benzodiazepines and opioids.

Author Biographies

Angelina Vascimini, PharmD

Department of Pharmacotherapy and Clinical Research University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy, Tampa, Florida; Work completed while at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Kevin Duane, PharmD

Panama Pharmacy, Jacksonville, Florida

Stacey Curtis, PharmD

University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida

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