Implementation of a Prenatal Naloxone Distribution Program to Decrease Maternal Mortality from Opioid Overdose

INTRODUCTION: Maternal mortality rates have been increasing in the United States for decades. For several years, opioid overdoses have been a leading cause of maternal mortality in several states. New Hampshire (NH) is a particularly severe case, with 50% of all maternal deaths being caused by drug-related overdoses from 2016 to 2017. We report on the implementation of a point-of-care naloxone distribution program for an Ob/Gyn clinic in NH. METHODS: Naloxone distribution was tracked to measure program implementation. Proportion of patients screened for naloxone need was calculated monthly. Proportion of patients with which discussions about naloxone took place was calculated quarterly. Patient and provider perspectives on the program were captured periodically. Statistical process control charts monitored change over time and evaluated for special-cause variation. RESULTS: The clinic has distributed 12 doses of naloxone since program implementation in April 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, screening for naloxone need has remained at pre-pandemic rates (moving average: 73%), except for a decrease in April–May 2020. Patient-provider discussions about naloxone have also remained at pre-pandemic rates (moving average: 51%). Qualitative feedback from patients and providers has indicated that the program has been well-received by both groups. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this description is to provide a framework for other Ob/Gyn clinics to use in implementing similar naloxone distribution programs. Although too early to determine whether this intervention will result in a significant decrease in maternal mortality due to opioid overdose in our patients, this measure will continue to be tracked annually. Implementation of a naloxone program in the obstetrical context provides an important way to improve outcomes for a vulnerable perinatal population.