Education and Training on Naloxone Administration for Healthcare Professionals: An Integrative Literature Review

Author

Remigus C. Nwaokoro, University of San FranciscoFollow

Date of Submission

Summer 8-9-2024

Document Type

Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Alicia Kletter

Second Advisor

Dr. Trinette Radasa

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals’ lack of knowledge and confidence in administering naloxone affects their willingness to inform at-risk patients about its use in the event of an overdose. The lack of understanding and confidence in using naloxone delays efforts to inform at-risk patients about this life-saving treatment for opioid overdose. This integrative literature review aimed to answer the following question: Do increased education and training enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and confidence in administering naloxone and decrease the rate of opioid overdose fatalities?

Methodology: A comprehensive search of the literature (2019 and 2024) was conducted to identify studies of education and training in naloxone administration to determine if they enhanced healthcare professionals’ knowledge and confidence in using the drug and their willingness to educate patients about it.

Results: The literature search yielded 146 articles, of which 43 were selected for further review. Sixteen articles were ultimately selected. This study found that education and training programs in naloxone administration enhance health practitioners’ knowledge and confidence and increase their willingness to educate patients about naloxone. Such programs should be offered periodically to maintain high levels of knowledge and training.

Conclusion: Education and training programs can enhance health practitioners’ knowledge and confidence in administering naloxone and their willingness to educate patients on its use. Such programs should be offered periodically to maintain healthcare professionals’ knowledge and confidence in administering naloxone.

Keywords: naloxone, naloxone education, health professionals, healthcare workers, opioid users, confidence, opioid overdose, and opioid crisis.

Comments

Highlights

• Education and training improves healthcare professionals' knowledge and confidence in administering naloxone.
• Education and training can increase healthcare workers' willingness to educate at-risk patients about naloxone.
• Periodic education and training programs are crucial in maintaining healthcare professionals’ knowledge and confidence in administering naloxone.
• Comprehensive education can empower healthcare professionals to educate patients about naloxone, thereby reducing opioid overdoses and fatalities.

Recommended Citation

Nwaokoro, Remigus C., "Education and Training on Naloxone Administration for Healthcare Professionals: An Integrative Literature Review" (2024). DNP Qualifying Manuscripts. 91.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp_qualifying/91