(1275) Evaluating the Impact of Harm Reduction Education Training Program for First Responders – Year 1

Objectives: Opioid related deaths have consistently been a major public health concern in Louisiana with a surge of 40% in 2021. First responders play a key role in opioid overdose rescue and are at the forefront of the battle against this epidemic. However, first responder barriers that prevent them from providing opioid overdose rescue include stigma (naloxone enables opioid use), difficult patient encounters after administration, costs (for naloxone and kit supplies), staffing, and clientele distrust. The University of Louisiana at Monroe Harm Reduction Education and Referral for Opioid Overdose Reversal (ULM H.E.R.O) Training Program is an evidence-based educational harm reduction program provided to first responders, health professional trainees, and key community organizations. The ULM H.E.R.O Training Program aims to provide evidence-based education on opioid reversal medications to reduce opioid overdose rates and increase referrals to treatment recovery centers in the greater Orleans Parish and Ouachita Parish. The purpose of this study is to assess changes in opioid overdose knowledge and attitudes before and after participation in the training program.

Methods: This study was conducted between February 2023 and September 2023. It included adult first responders and key community organization members ages 18 years and older. Participants completed the Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitude Scale (OOAS). The OOKS and OOAS are widely used for assessing pre- and post-training knowledge and attitudes on opioids and naloxone distribution. Upon completion of the pre-assessment material, participants attended the ULM H.E.R.O. educational training program. The program includes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach on the following topics: Introduction to common opioids of abuse, medical facts, benefits and concerns of administering opioid reversal medications, myths and facts regarding overdose, Louisiana legislation, overdose risk factors, overdose symptom recognition, protocol of administration of opioid reversal medications, fentanyl test strip demonstrations, simulated opioid overdose scenario and practice assembling and administering imitation opioid reversal medications on a mannequin, and recovery center information. Didactic material was delivered through a PowerPoint presentation that also involved active learning and interactive components like small group discussions, cases, polling questions, videos, and hands-on training with opioid reversal medications. Depending on the type of first responder, the curriculum was tailored to fit their training needs. Upon completion of the educational session, participants were asked to take the OOKS and OOAS for post assessment. Each first responder received an opioid reversal kit which consisted of referral procedures to local treatment and recovery programs, opioid reversal medication(s), instructions for assembly and use of the opioid reversal medication, fentanyl test strips, gloves, and a mouth guard. 

Pre- and posttest scores from both the OOKS and OOAS were used to determine the training program’s impact on participants. Data will be evaluated using qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Results: Research results are currently in progress and will be presented at the APhA Annual Meeting.

Conclusions: To be reported.