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ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has announced the publication of a study that demonstrates how pharmacies can play a vital role in identifying, educating, and connecting individuals at risk of opioid and substance use disorders (SUDs) to treatment, particularly in medically underserved communities.
“Project Lifeline–II: Feasibility of Implementing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania”, published in Public Health Reports, evaluated the feasibility of implementing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services in 17 pharmacies in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
SBIRTs aim to identify those at increased risk for substance abuse or substance use disorders (SUDs) and link them to suitable resources and support. The CDC states, “In 2022, over one in six Americans aged 12 and older reported experiencing a SUD. Everyone can achieve recovery with effective treatment.”
The findings indicate that pharmacy-based screenings could effectively expand outreach efforts to those in need. Nearly 80% of eligible patients agreed to participate in screenings, demonstrating engagement levels comparable to similar rural-based studies.
“Improving the access and health outcomes for people who are at-risk and have substance use disorders, has always been a priority for UPMC Health Plan,” said Chronis Manolis, R. Ph., Chief Pharmacy Officer at UPMC Health Plan. “This study shows the benefits of engaging local pharmacists as part of the health care team to support healthy outcomes for our members.”
This initiative builds on earlier NACDS Foundation research that explored SBIRT implementation in rural pharmacies. It demonstrates that pharmacies can successfully be utilized as a point of care for addressing substance use concerns in urban and rural settings.
“The NACDS Foundation is committed to research that transforms care delivery,” said Sara E. Roszak, DrPH, MPH, NACDS Foundation President. “These findings reinforce the impact of innovative partnerships in improving health outcomes.”
About the study
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, RTI International, and UPMC Health Plan.
Patients aged 18 years or older receiving a schedule II or III opioid prescription at participating community pharmacies in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, were invited to engage in SBIRT as part of Project Lifeline–II from June 2020 through January 2023. Pharmacy team members asked all eligible patients for permission to provide SBIRT services, and patients were given the right to refuse any or all services. Almost eighty percent of adults asked to participate were screened at least once – demonstrating results comparable to participation rates in the rural-based studies.
For more information, visit NACDSFoundation.org.
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