Opioid stewardship goes beyond merely dispensing medications; it is about protecting lives. The impact of the opioid crisis continues to affect the nation profoundly, touching countless individuals, families, and communities. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), over 9 million Americans aged 12 and older misused opioids in 2023. Within this group, about 75 thousand died from opioid-related causes. As the healthcare system searches for opioid crisis solutions, pharmacies find themselves at the forefront of this battle.
Pharmacies of all shapes and sizes have the power to make a real difference in combating this crisis, and implementing an opioid stewardship program is a critical approach to ensure the safe and effective use of opioid medications while minimizing the inherent risks. Despite the critical need for these programs, many pharmacies struggle to implement an effective opioid stewardship program due to the complex challenges that come with it. However, with adequate time, strong leadership, proper support, and the right technology, any pharmacy can achieve effective opioid stewardship. The rest of this blog will provide a brief introduction to opioid stewardship and the impact it has on pharmacy operations.
What Is an Opioid Stewardship Program?
An opioid stewardship program encompasses a comprehensive set of strategies aimed at promoting responsible opioid prescribing and dispensing practices. To achieve this, a pharmacy must focus on careful patient evaluation, informed decision-making, and opioid monitoring and tracking. The following bullets go into these three areas in more detail:
- Careful Patient Evaluation: Before prescribing opioids, healthcare providers must assess if they are the most appropriate treatment option for the type and severity of pain.
- Informed Decision-Making: Open communication with patients about the risks and benefits of opioids, alternative pain management strategies, and safe medication practices is paramount.
- Opioid Monitoring and Tracking: Continuous tracking of opioid prescriptions, patient outcomes, and potential signs of misuse is essential to ensure the effectiveness of stewardship programs.
Why Opioid Stewardship is Crucial for Pharmacies
Pharmacies and their staff are essential partners in preventing opioid misuse and promoting patient safety. By actively engaging with their opioid stewardship program, pharmacies can:
- Reduce the Risk of Opioid Misuse and Overdose: Through careful monitoring and patient education, pharmacies can help identify potential problems early on and intervene to prevent adverse outcomes.
- Improve Patient Outcomes: By promoting responsible pain management practices, pharmacies can help ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment while minimizing the risks associated with opioids.
- Enhance Patient Safety: Safe storage and disposal practices, coupled with education on overdose recognition and the use of naloxone, are vital components of opioid stewardship that can save lives.
- Strengthen Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Pharmacies play a crucial role in coordinating care with prescribers, facilitating communication, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.
A Call to Action to Fight Against the Opioid Crisis
Deploying an effective opioid stewardship program requires a collective effort. Pharmacies, with their accessibility and expertise, have the power to make a tangible difference. In the upcoming blogs within this series, we will explore specific strategies and resources that can be used to empower pharmacies in their opioid stewardship journey. We will delve into:
- Implementation: Learn the best practices for setting up and maintaining a successful opioid stewardship program.
- Evaluation: Learn about important program metrics and how to improve them.
- Technology: Understand the importance of technologies such as digital record keeping systems can have on opioid stewardship.
- Future Preparedness: A glimpse into the outlook for opioid stewardship and emerging trends shaping the opioid crisis.
Opioid stewardship is an incredibly important topic that will only continue to become more impactful moving forward. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and real-world experiences, the goal of this blog series is to help pharmacists and staff create a safer, healthier future for all.
