Famiglietti Nicole, Bratberg Jeffrey
J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2025 Jan-Feb;65(1):102289. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.102289. Epub 2024 Nov 15.
Overdose prevention centers (OPCs) are places where people can bring previously obtained substances to use under the supervision of trained health care professionals who are prepared to intervene in the event of an overdose. Health care professionals, counselors, and peer support provide services including naloxone distribution, provision of sterile injection equipment, counseling services, referrals to necessary providers, and above all a safe and compassionate space for people to get the care they need. This is a method of harm reduction that has been used worldwide for decades and is now gaining traction in the United States. Pharmacists play a vital role in harm reduction for patients, and they should support the legalization and establishment of OPCs across the country to extend this essential service. A compelling body of evidence shows that OPCs reduce overdose deaths, emergency department visits for overdoses and wounds relating to injection drug use, and emergency medical service utilization in the area surrounding the centers. They also reduce drug use and discarded hazardous drug paraphernalia in public areas. OPCs also provide wrap-around services that aid in the holistic care of the person, including referrals to inpatient substance use treatment, detoxification, primary care, transportation, and housing. It is the responsibility of pharmacists to advocate for the needs of patients, and OPCs will provide an effective avenue for pharmacists to deliver counseling and medication management services as part of care of the individual.
过量用药预防中心(OPCs)是人们可以携带先前获取的药物,在经过培训的医护专业人员监督下使用的场所,这些专业人员随时准备在有人过量用药时进行干预。医护专业人员、咨询师和同伴支持人员提供的服务包括分发纳洛酮、提供无菌注射设备、咨询服务、转介至必要的医疗服务提供者,最重要的是为人们提供一个安全且充满关怀的空间,让他们能够获得所需的护理。这是一种减少伤害的方法,已经在全球使用了数十年,如今在美国也越来越受到关注。药剂师在为患者减少伤害方面发挥着至关重要的作用,他们应该支持在全国范围内将过量用药预防中心合法化并设立此类中心,以推广这项重要服务。大量令人信服的证据表明,过量用药预防中心可减少过量用药死亡人数、因过量用药及与注射吸毒相关的伤口而前往急诊科就诊的次数,以及减少中心周边地区对紧急医疗服务的使用。它们还能减少公共场所的药物使用和丢弃的有害吸毒用具。过量用药预防中心还提供全方位服务,有助于对个人进行全面护理,包括转介至住院药物使用治疗、戒毒、初级保健、交通和住房服务。倡导患者的需求是药剂师的职责,而过量用药预防中心将为药剂师提供一条有效的途径,使其能够提供咨询和药物管理服务,作为对个人护理的一部分。