Pharmacists on the front-line of solving a public health crisis: Increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the advantages of pharmacist involvement to increase the accessibility of medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Summary: OUD continues to be a mounting public health crisis in the United States. Medications for OUD treatment have been reported to be safe and effective. Yet, underutilization and poor accessibility remain critical challenges. As the most accessible health care provider, pharmacists have the capability to help overcome these barriers and positively affect patient care. Preliminary strategies have been documented in the United States and abroad that can serve as a blueprint for expanded pharmacist involvement.

Conclusion: Pharmacists must expand efforts to increase patient accessibility to medications for OUD and become a key part of the solution to this epidemic.