Implementation Strategies
Implementation strategies are the actions needed to implement naloxone. Ideally, implementation strategies should be selected to address the barriers to implementation discussed in the "Common Barriers and Facilitators" tab. Click the buttons on the left to read more about implementation strategies people have used to implement naloxone and to access educational resources. In addition, view the RASC guide Strategies Timeline, Activities & Resources (STAR) log to discover a practical way to track these strategies and The Partner Engagement Guide to access practical recommendations to engage partners in your implementation strategies.
Common strategies to implement OEND programs have included technical assistance to partner organizations, innovative training strategies, and the identification and preparation of local champions.
OEND programs may be supported by multi-faceted programs that provide technical assistance, problem-solving and support through a “hub and spoke” model. In this model, a central (hub) organization is available to provide technical assistance, overdose education and no-cost naloxone to a number of partner (spoke) organizations working in different communities.
A “train the trainer” model can be used to help implement OEND programs. In this model, a primary trainer coaches new trainees in passing on the instructed skills to a subsequent set of individuals. These trainees become trainers themselves of a subsequent round of trainees. This has the dual advantage of improving uptake through simultaneous learning and teaching of OEND programs while also creating self-sustaining OEND programs with the potential for widespread distribution and impact beyond the initial contact point.
Using local champions can help rally a community in support of OEND programs. For this strategy, a central organization partners with local satellites to implement OEND programs and identifies a clinical champion at each local site to serve as a spokesperson and resource for questions and concerns from those delivering OEND as well as those receiving it. Local champions can be effective in reducing stigma and overcoming staff's lack of familiarity with opioid use disorder treatment services.