Introduction

Recent research in North Carolina identified factors that limit buprenorphine dispensing by pharmacists. These factors include:

• Perceptions of regulatory constraints that limit ordering
• Mistrust of out-of-area patients and prescribers
• Stigma

Each of these challenges is addressed in this continuing education program.

Goal

At the end of this program, you should be able to:

• Explain what buprenorphine is and describe its use as a treatment option for patients with opioid use disorder.
• Discuss reasons why patients/prescribers might prefer one buprenorphine formulation over another.
• Identify the factors that have led to an increase in buprenorphine prescriptions.
• Identify barriers that can limit access to buprenorphine at community pharmacies and explain how to overcome these barriers.
• Describe how to create a welcoming environment for patients with buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid use disorder.
• Identify resources that can be used to increase buprenorphine access at community pharmacies.

Information is presented via a series of lessons. Use the navigation at the top of the screen to move from lesson to lesson. You can proceed through the material in any order, though a linear progression is recommended. It should take about 60 minutes to complete the training program.