Pharmacy tech

Jayme Steig, PharmD, RPh; Great Plains Quality Innovation Network Quality Improvement Advisor was selected to present on a national community of practice call to provide an overview of the ONE Rx program. The presentation took place on March 23.

One RX LogoThe Opioid and Naloxone Education Program (ONE Rx) utilizes community pharmacies in North Dakota to screen for risk of opioid misuse and overdose and provide appropriate interventions. The program has screened over 7,500 individuals for opioid risks and resulted in improved opioid education and naloxone dispensing. In addition, 240 individuals have been trained through the program and nearly half of community pharmacies in North Dakota are currently participating.

Steig offered input on how individuals with prescriptions for opioids are screened, the increased rate of naloxone dispensing in those screened, and how data collection systems were used Steig also discussed the collaboration between pharmacies and public health. In addition, an integral component to the program’s success is the support of the North Dakota Pharmacy Association and the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy.

Over 130 Quality improvement professionals across the Quality Innovation Network – Quality Improvement Organization were in attendance. Based on dialogue and questions throughout the presentation, there is interest and a need for education and programs like the ONE Rx program. As demonstrated in the presentation, the core principles of the program can be spread geographically and programmatically in communities across the country.

“Thank you to our colleague, Jayme Steig, and the ONE Rx team for serving as champions in addressing the issue of opioid misuse and the education to support better outcomes,” shared Keri McDermott, Great Plains QIN Communications Director. “The ONE Rx program is successfully utilizing pharmacists to screen, evaluate and provide appropriate interventions to patients receiving opioid prescriptions. Through data and program results, these core principles are ones that can be spread geographically and programmatically in communities across the country to improve and save lives.”

For more information on the ONE Rx program, visit https://onerxproject.org/ or contact Steig directly at jayme.steig@greatplainsqin.org.