• Jeremy Hardin, Justin Seltzer, Henrik Galust, Adriann Deguzman, Ian Campbell, Nathan Friedman, Gabriel Wardi, Richard F Clark, and Daniel Lasoff.
• Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; San Diego Division, California Poison Control System, San Diego, California.
• J Emerg Med. 2024 Apr 1; 66 (4): e457e462e457-e462.

BackgroundOpioid overdose is a major cause of mortality in the United States. In spite of efforts to increase naloxone availability, distribution to high-risk populations remains a challenge.ObjectiveTo assess the effects of multiple different naloxone distribution methods on patient obtainment of naloxone in the emergency department (ED) setting.MethodsNaloxone was provided to patients in three 12-month phases between February 2020 and February 2023. In Phase 1, physicians could offer patients electronic prescriptions, which were filled in a nearby in-hospital discharge pharmacy. In Phase 2, physicians directly provided patients with take-home naloxone at discharge. In Phase 3, distribution was expanded to allow ED staff to hand patients take-home naloxone at time of discharge. The total number of prescriptions, rate of prescription filling, and amount of take-home naloxone kits provided to patients were then statistically analyzed using 95% confidence intervals (CI) and chi-squared testing.ResultsIn Phase 1, 348 naloxone prescriptions were written, with 133 (95% CI 112.5-153.5) filled. In Phase 2, 327 (95% CI 245.5-408.5) take-home naloxone kits were given to patients by physicians. In Phase 3, 677 (95% CI 509.5-844.5) take-home naloxone kits were provided to patients by ED staff. There were statistically significant increases in naloxone distribution from Phase 1 to Phase 2, and Phase 2 to Phase 3.ConclusionsTake-home naloxone increases access when compared with naloxone prescriptions in the ED setting. A multidisciplinary approach combined with the removal of regulatory and administrative barriers allowed for further increased distribution of no-cost naloxone to patients.Published by Elsevier Inc.

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