Project summary
The Take home Naloxone Project (THN) is being evaluated by the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) Research Team, but is managed and governed by the SCAS Medicines team.
The Take Home Naloxone Programme is trialing a new process where a Nasal Spray Naloxone is distributed to patients who are at risk of overdose from Opioid use. The aim of the Take Home Naloxone programme is to increase the availability of this potentially lifesaving drug within the community and support signposting to Drug and alcohol services.
Aims:
- Work with local authorities and treatment services to meet the needs of the local drug-misusing population.
- Signpost patients to local drug treatment services.
- Offer patients’ an assessment of health and social problems as they often require intervention from various providers.
- Involve patients as active partners in their drug treatment and recovery.
- Involve families and other carers of `drug-misusing patients in emergencies that might occur.
- Improve rates of patient morbidity and mortality.
Patient Group
- Any person over the age of 18 at risk of overdose from illicit opioid use.
- Any relative or carer of those over the age of 18 at risk of overdose from illicit opioid use.
Participating areas in SCAS
This initiative was implemented across the South-Central region (Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, & Berkshire).
How are patients selected for this project?
Patients are offered the chance to be involved if they are attended by a THN trained clinician and identified as at risk of opioid overdose. Clinician’s will supply the patient (if their understanding is not impaired) with a THN pack, which contains a leaflet detailing drug and alcohol services, as well as the Nasal spray Naloxone, with instructions for its use. This pack can also be provided to a relative or carer if more suitable.
Closing date
This project concluded in September 2024.