Skip to main content
American Journal of Public Health logoLink to American Journal of Public Health
. 2021 Aug;111(8):1516–1517. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2021.306306a

The Effect of Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews

Amir Razaghizad, Sarah B Windle, Kristian B Filion, Genevieve Gore, Irina Kudrina, Elena Paraskevopoulos, Jonathan Kimmelman, Marc O Martel, Mark J Eisenberg
PMCID: PMC8489639  PMID: 34464184

Abstract

Background. Opioids contribute to more than 60 000 deaths annually in North America. While the expansion of overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs has been recommended in response to the opioid crisis, their effectiveness remains unclear.

Objectives. To conduct an umbrella review of systematic reviews to provide a broad-based conceptual scheme of the effect and feasibility of OEND and to identify areas for possible optimization.

Search Methods. We conducted the umbrella review of systematic reviews by searching PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Epistemonikos, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the reference lists of relevant articles. Briefly, an academic librarian used a 2-concept search, which included opioid subject headings and relevant keywords with a modified PubMed systematic review filter.

Selection Criteria. Eligible systematic reviews described comprehensive search strategies and inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated the quality or risk of bias of included studies, were published in English or French, and reported data relevant to either the safety or effectiveness of OEND programs, or optimal strategies for the management of opioid overdose with naloxone in out-of-hospital settings.

Data Collection and Analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics and the quality of included reviews was assessed in duplicate with AMSTAR-2, a critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews. Review quality was rated critically low, low, moderate, or high based on 7 domains: protocol registration, literature search adequacy, exclusion criteria, risk of bias assessment, meta-analytical methods, result interpretation, and presence of publication bias. Summary tables were constructed, and confidence ratings were provided for each outcome by using a previously modified version of the Royal College of General Practitioners’ clinical guidelines.

Main Results. Six systematic reviews containing 87 unique studies were included. We found that OEND programs produce long-term knowledge improvement regarding opioid overdose, improve participants’ attitudes toward naloxone, provide sufficient training for participants to safely and effectively manage overdoses, and effectively reduce opioid-related mortality. High-concentration intranasal naloxone (> 2 mg/mL) was as effective as intramuscular naloxone at the same dose, whereas lower-concentration intranasal naloxone was less effective. Evidence was limited for other naloxone formulations, as well as the need for hospital transport after overdose reversal. The preponderance of evidence pertained persons who use heroin.

Author’s Conclusions. Evidence suggests that OEND programs are effective for reducing opioid-related mortality; however, additional high-quality research is required to optimize program delivery.

Public Health Implications. Community-based OEND programs should be implemented widely in high-risk populations.

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs are crucial for preventing opioid fatalities. These programs provide training to people likely to witness an overdose and deliver critical information about overdose prevention, recognition, and response. However, given the proliferation of ultrapotent synthetic opioids such as fentanyl in illicit drug supplies, uncertainties exist concerning optimal naloxone formulation and patient management. Furthermore, although several reviews on the impact of these programs have been published, evidence regarding the effectiveness of these programs and their impact on vital public health measures remains uncertain. Therefore, we synthesized 6 systematic reviews to provide a broad-based conceptual scheme of the effect and feasibility of OEND programs and to identify areas for possible optimization. We found unanimous evidence suggesting that OEND programs produce long-term knowledge improvements, improve participants’ attitudes toward naloxone, provide sufficient training for participants to manage overdoses safely and effectively, and effectively reduce opioid-related mortality. We also found that high-concentration intranasal naloxone was as effective as intramuscular naloxone at the same dose, whereas lower-concentration intranasal naloxone was less effective. Most evidence concerned persons who use heroin. This study suggests that OEND programs effectively reduce opioid-related mortality and should be implemented widely in high-risk populations to prevent harm.

Footnotes

See also Smart and Davis, p. 1382.


Articles from American Journal of Public Health are provided here courtesy of American Public Health Association

RESOURCES