Barriers and motivational factors for engaging in novel opioid-related services in community pharmacies

Objective This study aimed to explore and identify motivational factors and barriers for pharmacy personnel participation in specific opioid mitigation programs, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as an investigational framework. Methods A naturalistic inquiry method was employed involving semi-structured interviews with pharmacy personnel to assess their intentions, attitudes, normative beliefs, and behaviors towards participating in naloxone dispensing and provision of at-home drug disposal solutions. Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit participants, with saturation achieved after 12 interviews. Interviews were transcribed and coded to identify recurring themes. Results Four primary themes emerged: 1) the value and benefits of helping others, emphasizing societal, patient, and environmental benefits; 2) limits and barriers to participation, including financial concerns, management support, and time constraints; 3) pharmacists’ intrinsic motivators, highlighting personal motivations and differentiation between programs for specific patient types; and 4) program implementation challenges and strategies. Conclusion The findings underscore the applicability of the TPB in understanding pharmacy engagement in opioid abatement programs. Despite facing barriers such as financial considerations and time constraints, the overall positive attitudes towards the programs indicate a strong motivation to contribute to public health efforts. Addressing identified barriers and leveraging motivators could enhance participation, potentially mitigating the opioid crisis. Future research should incorporate patient perspectives to fully understand the impact and effectiveness of pharmacy-led interventions, such as naloxone dispensing and disposal solutions, in opioid misuse prevention.