Pharmacy Resident
UNC Community-based Pharmacy Residency - 501 Pharmacy and Hillsborugh Pharmacy and Nutrition
Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
Name: Kaleigh Steelman
Official Title: Pharmacy Resident
Pharmacy School Attended: Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
Company Name: University of North Carolina Community Pharmacy Residency Program
City: Chapel Hill
State: NC
The idea for this project came from a pharmacy owner with a large population of patients receiving chronic opioid medications. Unfortunately these medications almost always come with a risk-benefit discussion due to the abuse potential, so the idea for a separate counseling session and signed opioid pledge for each patient on these chronic opioids was formed. The hope is that through this session we can take a deeper look into the potential risks, collaboratively manage their pain control by evaluating morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and offer naloxone if appropriate.
The most common reason I see patients not picking up a naloxone prescription with their opioid prescription is due to the affordability of naloxone. This is heartbreaking since this medication will save a life in the case of an overdose. By receiving this an APhA Incentive Grant, I am excited to say that the pharmacy will be able to give these patients that complete the pledge and counseling a naloxone prescription at a reduced cost.