Poster Presentation

Combating Opioid Misuse: A Pilot Study on Education and Naloxone Training in College Communities

- CDT
Room: Grand Central Foyer
Kimberley Begley, PharmD, RPh, FNAP
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Jennifer Tilleman, PharmD
Creighton University
Wesley Sparkmon, PhD, MPH
Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Track:
  • Innovative Approaches to Interprofessional Pedagogy and Education Science
Opioid misuse contributes to preventable deaths, with stigma often hindering discussions on addiction. College campuses reflect these societal trends, yet few educational interventions target students. This study aimed to equip participants with knowledge, life-saving skills, and a culture of compassion and advocacy.Goals, objectives, and purpose: • Address opioid misuse and overdose by providing education and naloxone rescue training to college and health profession students.

• Explore stigma, identify risk areas, and address knowledge gaps.Methods/Methodology: A single-group pre-post design evaluated an intervention led by pharmacy students who developed materials, designed surveys, and secured naloxone grants for residence halls. Participants included 80 undergraduate students (e.g., residence advisors) and 50 health science students (nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy).

The training addressed opioid pharmacology, overdose recognition, naloxone use, and stigma. Pre- and post-surveys assessed changes in knowledge and attitudes. Quantitative data were analyzed using Welch’s t-test, and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis by three independent coders.Results/Findings: Participants reported increased comfort with naloxone use (pConclusions, implications, and/or curiosities: This initiative significantly improved knowledge and attitudes, demonstrating the power of interprofessional education in addressing the opioid epidemic. The program’s success offers a scalable model for community efforts to reduce stigma and promote life-saving interventions. Building on this foundation, plans are underway to expand the initiative to include all nine health professions on campus, enriching the interprofessional approach and impact.

References

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