RESEARCH ARTICLE: Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding opioid overdose and toxicity among a sample of healthcare providers

Authors

  • Fahad Marzouq Alotaibi Saudi Royal land forces, Clinical pharmacy, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9870-7327
  • Mohammed Fathullah Zaitoun Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1156-9281
  • Rayid Shabeeb Alotabi Ranyah hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammed Saeed A. Alhadi Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia
  • Amani Mohammed AlShahrani Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0138-3229
  • Alyah Abdullah Almoeed Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia
  • Marzouq Saeed AlNasser Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia
  • Ghazi Bamagous Umm AlQura university, Makkah, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9667-6974

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2022.221.265275

Keywords:

Knowledge, Naloxone, Opioids training programme, Opioids overdose, Prescribers’ awareness

Abstract

Background: Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers regarding opioid toxicity are significant concerns.  

Objective: Investigate the knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and comfort level regarding overdosing among a sample of healthcare providers working at the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region (AFHSR).    

Methods: Anonymous surveys were administered to AFHSR staff to assess attitude, knowledge, comfort level, and fear of consequences using a 5-point scale. Participants were AFHSR primary care physicians/internists, surgeons, physician assistants/advanced practice registered nurses, and pharmacists.    

Results: Healthcare providers demonstrated a lack of knowledge, awareness, and fear of the consequences associated with opioid use, overdose, and the indications and administration of naloxone. This study’s findings indicate that healthcare providers are hesitant to engage in discussions with patients about preventative measures for opioid overdose, with the majority believing that doing so will make no difference in preventing opioid overdose incidence. Additionally, a distinct difference in knowledge and perceptions of opioid abuse and toxicity was found between nurses and physicians. Further, the findings indicate a difference in knowledge and awareness regarding opioid overdose and toxicity between nurses and pharmacists.     

Author Biographies

Fahad Marzouq Alotaibi, Saudi Royal land forces, Clinical pharmacy, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia

  

Mohammed Fathullah Zaitoun, Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia

Pharmaceutical care administration

Rayid Shabeeb Alotabi, Ranyah hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Pharmacy department

Mohammed Saeed A. Alhadi, Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia

Pharmaceutical care administration

Amani Mohammed AlShahrani, Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia

Pharmaceutical care administration

Alyah Abdullah Almoeed, Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia

Pharmaceutical care administration

Marzouq Saeed AlNasser, Armed forces hospital southern region, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia

Pharmaceutical care administration

Ghazi Bamagous, Umm AlQura university, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Assistant professor

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Published

08-04-2022

How to Cite

Alotaibi, F. M., Zaitoun, M. F. . ., Alotabi, R. S. ., Alhadi, M. S. A. . ., AlShahrani, A. M. . ., Almoeed, A. A. ., AlNasser, M. S. ., & Bamagous, G. . (2022). RESEARCH ARTICLE: Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding opioid overdose and toxicity among a sample of healthcare providers. Pharmacy Education, 22(1), p. 265–275. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2022.221.265275

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Research Article