Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Nursing

Program

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Executive Summary

First Advisor

Dr. Alicia Kletter

Second Advisor

Dr. Jo Loomis

Abstract

Background Opioid overdose fatalities are a major public health concern with significant cost implications. Naloxone effectively reverses opioid overdose symptoms and prevents fatalities, yet many healthcare professionals lack the confidence and knowledge to administer it. This knowledge gap delays efforts to combat opioid overdose. Local Problem Opioid-related fatalities are among the leading causes of preventable deaths. In a northern California county, opioid overdose deaths increased by 20% from 2018 to 2021, with 48 fatalities in 2021. A needs assessment revealed that healthcare providers at a reentry program in that county had limited knowledge and confidence in using naloxone. Methods A quality improvement (QI) project on naloxone education and training for healthcare professionals was planned, implemented, and evaluated. A 60-minute PowerPoint-based naloxone training session led by the DNP scholar was delivered to 18 staff at the reentry program. The naloxone education and training covered opioid overdose signs and symptoms, risk factors, responding effectively, and proper naloxone administration. Intervention Pre - and post-session surveys were utilized to obtain quantitative and qualitative data Results The survey assessments indicated that participants’ knowledge and confidence level about naloxone increased after the presentation. The knowledge outcomes assessments increased by an average of 11.45% post-presentation and the confidence outcomes assessment increased by 72% post-presentation. Conclusion This low-cost intervention successfully bridged the knowledge gap on opioid overdose response among reentry program staff. Recommendations for future naloxone education and training initiatives, project limitations, and policy adoption were also examined.

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