Knowledge translation of the critical elements of a fentanyl testing strip toolkit within a needle exchange program
Date
2020
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Background: Training received by a high-risk population for fentanyl testing strips (FTS) usage was inadequate due to inconsistent clinical approaches by staff. This quality improvement project aimed to develop a sustainable FTS toolkit, educate staff on the use of the toolkit, and to measure the extent to which FTS toolkits were distributed to the client population. ☐ Design: The project compared pre- and post- knowledge test scores of outreach staff. Distribution trackers were intended to record the distribution of toolkits. ☐ Setting: The project was set in a Mid-Atlantic community-based clinic in their needle exchange program (NEP). ☐ Participants: Clinic staff, including a registered nurse, social workers, peer support members, and leadership participated in the project. Two NEP teams were involved in the distribution of the FTS toolkits. ☐ Interventions: Procure staff participation for input and potential sustainment of the FTS toolkit with a goal of N=25-30 minimum. The improvement project developed an FTS toolkit based on staff feedback and population needs. Conduction of a pre- and post-test knowledge assessment of essential FTS clinical concepts occurred with an inservice introducing the toolkit intermediately. Team leaders for each NEP team were tasked to track the distribution of the FTS toolkits using a distribution tracker. ☐ Measurements: A pre- and post-test was conducted to assess knowledge through results presented by the statistical measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Distribution trackers were given to each team lead of the NEP teams to record the location and number of toolkits distributed to clients. ☐ Findings: Comparison of pre- and post-test results indicated improved accuracy based upon the ANOVA p-value 0.89. The confidence interval data is forthcoming with statistician consultation. Results improved from the average percent pre-test of 50% to 95% post-test. Inconsistent implementation of the distribution tracker led to manual counts of FTS toolkits to assess team distribution. Manual counts over six weeks confirmed staff distributed 100 FTS toolkits in the clinical settings. ☐ Conclusions: The FTS toolkit and inservice improved staff knowledge of fundamental concepts regarding FTS. NEP teams applied the toolkit into their clinical settings promoting education consistency and access to resources for an at risk population, potentially lowering the risk of overdoses in the community. ☐ Keywords: Harm reduction, Drug checking, Substance use, Opioids, Toolkit, Fentanyl
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Keywords
Harm reduction, Drug checking, Substance use, Opioids, Toolkit, Fentanyl