Feasibility and acceptability of an overdose prevention intervention delivered by Community Pharmacists for patients prescribed opioids for chronic non cancer pain

This is a 15 month study to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention to reduce overdose risk among individuals prescribed strong opioids for pain not caused by cancer. This study builds on a previous study, involving the same team which explored people’s views on whether or not an intervention for this group would be practical and worthwhile.

This follow-on study will involve designing and piloting an intervention in NHS Grampian. It will be delivered by Community Pharmacists and will involve providing information about risk and risk management, as well as include a supply of intra-nasal naloxone and training on how to use this. Naloxone is a life-saving drug which can reverse an opioid overdose. This study involves partnerships between the University of Stirling, NHS Grampian, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of St Andrews.