Opioid risk screening: Program evaluation from the community pharmacists’ perspective

Background: Pharmacist-implemented screening programs can be improved through continuous program evaluation. Pharmacists are in a position to determine whether interventions are realistic and efficacious when used in practice. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how community pharmacists perceive the use of an opioid risk screening for patients receiving opioid prescriptions and the associated implications for improved patient-centered care. Methods: North Dakota community pharmacists received training on the use of an opioid risk tool for all patients filling an opioid prescription to evaluate for opioid misuse and overdose risk potential. Pharmacists then implemented the screening in their community pharmacy to screen all patients prescribed an opioid. Six months after implementation, pharmacists across the state were surveyed regarding their perception of the value of screening patients for the risk of opioid misuse and overdose. The survey questions used the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation focusing on utility, propriety, feasibility, and accuracy. Results: All pharmacists (n = 35) indicated the opioid risk screening improved patient communication and patient-centered interventions. A total of 97% of pharmacists agreed the opioid screening tool provided an objective measure in providing care to patients and improved the potential for patient safety during prescription opioid use. Although 66% of pharmacists disagreed that the screening process was time consuming, 14% of respondents agreed with this statement indicating they may require additional assistance to optimize their workflow. Conclusion: The results of this study support that opioid risk screening ensures utility for opioid risk stratification, feasibility to incorporate into existing workflow, and propriety for patient safety and well-being.