Podcasts as a Method to Deliver Education on Stigma Surrounding Opioid Use Disorder

DOI

10.3390/pharmacy10060161

Authors

Logan M. Kissell, The Hometown Pharmacy, Poland, OH 44514, USA.
Kim C. Coley, Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Alyssa S. Khieu, Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Elizabeth J. Bunk, Center for Integrative Health, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.
Sophia M. Herbert, Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Joni C. Carroll, Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

11-29-2022

Publication Title

Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)

Volume

10

Issue

6

Keywords

addiction, opioid use disorder, pharmacy education, podcasts, social stigma

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a podcast miniseries to reduce stigma surrounding opioid use disorder (OUD) among student pharmacists. Students in their second and third professional years from two schools of pharmacy listened to five, 10-23 min podcasts incorporated into their coursework. The podcasts highlighted: (1) interviews with OUD professionals and those with lived experiences; (2) types of stigma and how it affects health outcomes; (3) OUD disease state processes, and (4) harm reduction strategies. Surveys assessed changes in perception of OUD and its associated stigma and included free-response and Likert scale questions. Subjects ( = 121) who completed a pre- and post-podcast survey were included. Paired -tests assessed changes in survey responses from baseline and a content analysis was performed on all free-responses. There was a statistically significant change from baseline for each survey question, demonstrating a decrease in stigma towards OUD. Free-responses were categorized into four learning domains: (1) Impact of stigma on access to care; (2) Compassion and empathy; (3) Resources and support; and (4) Call to action. Podcasts can be an effective tool to reduce student pharmacist stigma associated with OUD.

Open Access

OA

Preprint

Link to Free Full Text

Repository Citation

Kissell, L. M., Coley, K. C., Khieu, A. S., Bunk, E. J., Herbert, S. M., & Carroll, J. C. (2022). Podcasts as a Method to Deliver Education on Stigma Surrounding Opioid Use Disorder. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 10 (6). https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy10060161