“We don’t even know where it’s kept”: exploring perspectives on naloxone administration by provincial correctional workers in Manitoba, Canada

Abstract

Purpose

Prisonersare at disproportionate risk of suffering substance-related harms. The administration of naloxone is essential to reversing opioid overdose and minimizing substance-related harms in prison and the community. The purpose of this study is to examine how naloxone administration is practiced and perceived in prison settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted surveys with correctional workers in Manitoba, Canada (n = 257) to examine how they understand and feel about the need for and practice of administering naloxone in their everyday work with criminalized populations.

Findings

Respondents reported feeling a great need to administer naloxone, but most did not feel adequately trained to administer naloxone, creating the perception that criminalized populations remain at enhanced risk.

Originality/value

Findings provide emerging evidence of the need for training and accompanying policies and procedures for correctional workers on how to access and administer naloxone.

Citation

Ricciardelli, R.R., Johnston, M.S. and Maier, K. (2024), "“We don’t even know where it’s kept”: exploring perspectives on naloxone administration by provincial correctional workers in Manitoba, Canada", International Journal of Prison Health, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 30-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPH-01-2023-0008