Evaluating Opioid Dispensing Practices: Insights into the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Libyan Pharmacists at Sabratha Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Opioid analgesics are the most potent prescription analgesics. Although there is wide acceptance in
prescribing narcotic analgesics for in-patients who have cancer, acceptance is not so universal in treating in-patients with
pain from other causes. This study aimed to evaluate the availability of analgesic opioids in Sabratha Teaching Hospital
and investigated Libyan pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards dispensing these medications.
Materials and Methods: Quantitative data on opioid availability were obtained from the hospital pharmacy, while
qualitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 40 hospital pharmacists.
Results: Revealed inadequate availability and accessibility of opioid analgesics, with low dispensed amounts and
frequent stock-outs due to import restrictions and difficulties in quantifying needs. All participants were familiar with the
opioid dispensing process, but none had received in-service pain management training. Only 10% of pharmacists were
responsible for narcotic drug dispensing, and a mere 5% discussed pain management strategies with physicians before
prescribing, indicating poor interprofessional collaboration.
Conclusions: The study highlights the need for improved opioid availability and enhanced training for hospital
pharmacists in pain management to ensure better patient care.