Effectiveness of a Naloxone Training Workshop and Opioid Overdose Simulation with Near-Peer Teaching

Abstract

Background Recent CDC data indicates that opioids account for nearly 71% of all drug overdose deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated recent efforts to curtail opioid overdoses. To prepare future clinicians to recognize and treat opioid overdose victims, it is imperative to provide hands-on training and equip medical students with naloxone in our communities. Secondarily, near-peer teaching in medical education consistently shows benefits to learner and instructor yet is underutilized due to logistical challenges. Methods Pre-clerkship students participated in a 1-hour workshop that consisted of an inpatient simulated opioid overdose using high-fidelity mannequins followed by hands-on naloxone training with demos. Students received a two pack of Narcan nasal spray to keep with them following the workshop for emergencies. Pre- and post-tests/surveys were administered including the Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitudes Scale (OOAS). Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests assessed for significant differences. Qualitative analysis incorporated Glaser's constant comparative method to identify themes. Results In total, 193 medical students participated in the workshop and 70 students completed the pre/post surveys. Results from the OOKS survey demonstrated significant gains in knowledge (percent correct, 76% versus 82%, p<0.05) and significant improvement in overall attitudes (OOAS) towards opioid overdoses [3.5 versus 4.2, p<0.001, (1=completely disagree, 5= completely agree)]. Themes from open-ended questions included how the hands-on instructions made students feel comfortable with using naloxone in real-life situations and the effectiveness of the training by a peer medical student with previous EMS training. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that a hands-on workshop focused on opioid overdose recognition and management significantly improved students’ knowledge of and attitudes towards opioid overdoses. This 1-hour workshop can be implemented by other programs to help combat the current opioid epidemic by increasing the number of healthcare trainees and clinicians trained in opioid overdose management. Additionally, based on the positive response regarding learning from an experienced peer, continued efforts to implement near-peer teaching within the medical school curriculum can be fruitful for knowledge acquisition and interprofessional collaboration, particularly by capitalizing on the unique backgrounds of students.