Understanding attitudes towards naloxone prescriptions for opioid overdose

A Survey of High Risk Patient and Caregiver Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding the Prescription of Intranasal Naloxone Spray for Opioid Overdose

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04129138

This study looks at what patients and their caregivers think about getting naloxone prescriptions to help prevent opioid overdoses.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04129138 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational trial examines the attitudes and beliefs of high-risk patients and their caregivers regarding the prescription of intranasal naloxone spray for opioid overdose. The study aims to determine how many patients and caregivers perceive naloxone prescriptions as beneficial and to explore the characteristics that influence these perceptions. Participants will complete a survey that assesses their views on naloxone, which may help identify barriers to prescribing and inform educational efforts tailored to their needs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include high-risk patients who have been prescribed intranasal naloxone within the past year and their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing emotional or psychosocial distress or with significant anxiety may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of patient and caregiver perspectives, leading to improved naloxone prescribing practices and potentially reducing opioid overdose deaths.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, understanding patient and caregiver attitudes towards naloxone has shown promise in other studies focused on opioid overdose prevention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients must have been prescribed intranasal naloxone in the past 1 year
* Patients and caregivers must be able to understand, read, write, and speak English
* Patients must have no clinical evidence of cognitive impairment, as determined by the palliative care provider (Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale score of \>= 7)
* Patients must sign an informed consent
* Caregivers may sign an informed consent if available during the visit
* Caregivers may verbally consent over the phone if not present during the visit
* Caregiver must be a friend, significant other or family member
* Caregivers must have no evidence of cognitive impairment, as determined based on orientation questions pertaining to the date, day of the week, time, and place

Exclusion Criteria:

* PATIENT: Emotional or psychosocial distress as identified by the patient's palliative care
* PATIENT: Participants with Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) anxiety score of \> 6

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Caregiver, Patient

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.