LAUSR

Opioid-related drug overdoses account for over 60% of drug overdose deaths within the USA, representing a fourfold increase within the past 15 years.1 Ohio has the third highest opioid overdose death rate (24.7 deaths per 100,000) in the country.2 The distribution of take-home naloxone to improve the chances of opioid overdose reversal has become an increasingly popular practice to combat this epidemic. The best predictor of future opioid overdose is a previous episode, for which patients are often seen by providers in the emergency department (ED).3 Yet, there is a lack of evidence evaluating the naloxone distribution practices of this group of healthcare professionals. The purpose of this study was to determine the prescribing patterns and perceptions of take-home naloxone for high-risk opioid overdose patients amongst ED physicians.