Fentanyl Test Strip: The Novel Approach to Fight Opioid Overdoses and Deaths in Georgia
Abstract
Background:
Recent CDC data shows that opioids are responsible for 75.4% of all drug overdose deaths. Further, 88% of all opioid-related deaths were due to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. As the opioid crisis continues in Georgia, fentanyl test strips (FTS) emerged as a novel approach to mitigate opioid deaths. Previously, FTS were considered illegal “drug paraphernalia” in Georgia; however, as of July 1, 2023, FTS are legal.
Methods:
FTS will be distributed in the Medical College of Georgia student-led clinics and other, especially rural, clinics throughout Georgia. A pamphlet will be distributed with the FTS, including a step-by-step illustration and description of FTS along with resources providing aid. Available in Spanish and English, the pamphlet contains a QR code directly linking a video demonstrating FTS use to increase health literacy and improve education and understanding. The FTS and pamphlet will be placed in different locations in the clinics and surveyed based on the number removed from each location weekly.
Anticipated Results:
We anticipate having results from 5 or more different locations within approximately 20 clinics in Georgia. We hypothesize that the highest number of FTS will be removed from private or secluded places in clinics, such as patient rooms or restrooms.
Conclusion:
In early stages, it is unclear as to where FTS placement provides the most benefit, while maintaining the target population’s anonymity. Findings from this project will describe the most effective location of FTS distribution, directly impacting and advancing the use and dispensation of FTS in other clinics in the future. FTS are a relatively unexplored and underutilized resource in Georgia, and our results will provide significant benefits through the practice of harm-reduction and preventative medicine relating to fentanyl and overdosing.
Keywords: Fentanyl, Opioid, Fentanyl Test Strip
Keywords
Fentanyl, Opioid, Fentanyl Test Strip
Fentanyl Test Strip: The Novel Approach to Fight Opioid Overdoses and Deaths in Georgia
Background:
Recent CDC data shows that opioids are responsible for 75.4% of all drug overdose deaths. Further, 88% of all opioid-related deaths were due to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. As the opioid crisis continues in Georgia, fentanyl test strips (FTS) emerged as a novel approach to mitigate opioid deaths. Previously, FTS were considered illegal “drug paraphernalia” in Georgia; however, as of July 1, 2023, FTS are legal.
Methods:
FTS will be distributed in the Medical College of Georgia student-led clinics and other, especially rural, clinics throughout Georgia. A pamphlet will be distributed with the FTS, including a step-by-step illustration and description of FTS along with resources providing aid. Available in Spanish and English, the pamphlet contains a QR code directly linking a video demonstrating FTS use to increase health literacy and improve education and understanding. The FTS and pamphlet will be placed in different locations in the clinics and surveyed based on the number removed from each location weekly.
Anticipated Results:
We anticipate having results from 5 or more different locations within approximately 20 clinics in Georgia. We hypothesize that the highest number of FTS will be removed from private or secluded places in clinics, such as patient rooms or restrooms.
Conclusion:
In early stages, it is unclear as to where FTS placement provides the most benefit, while maintaining the target population’s anonymity. Findings from this project will describe the most effective location of FTS distribution, directly impacting and advancing the use and dispensation of FTS in other clinics in the future. FTS are a relatively unexplored and underutilized resource in Georgia, and our results will provide significant benefits through the practice of harm-reduction and preventative medicine relating to fentanyl and overdosing.
Keywords: Fentanyl, Opioid, Fentanyl Test Strip
