Introduction
Recent research in North Carolina identified factors that limit buprenorphine dispensing by pharmacists. These factors include:
- Perceptions of regulatory constraints that limit ordering
- Mistrust of out-of-area patients and prescribers
- Stigma
Each of these challenges is addressed in this continuing education program.
At the end of this program, you should be able to:
- Explain what buprenorphine is and describe its use as a treatment option for patients with opioid use disorder.
- Discuss reasons why patients/prescribers might prefer one buprenorphine formulation over another.
- Identify the factors that have led to an increase in buprenorphine prescriptions.
- Identify barriers that can limit access to buprenorphine at community pharmacies and explain how to overcome these barriers.
- Describe how to create a welcoming environment for patients with buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid use disorder
- Identify resources that can be used to increase buprenorphine access at community pharmacies.
Information is presented via a series of lessons. Use the tabs at the top of the screen, or the Back and Next buttons at the bottom, to move from lesson to lesson. You can proceed through the material in any order, though a linear progression is recommended. It should take about 30 minutes to complete the training program.