Substance Use & Addiction Journal (03/17/26) Torrez, Sorina B.; Evoy, Kirk E.; Loera, Lindsey J.; et al.

A prospective study evaluated whether a mailed academic-detailing intervention could improve buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NX) and naloxone nasal spray (NNS) availability in Texas community pharmacies. The approach aimed to address knowledge gaps and expand access, but in-person detailing was considered impractical at scale due to time, distance, and staffing constraints. In a randomized sample of 1,000 pharmacies, 374 received academic-detailing handouts with links to continuing education and 383 served as controls. Pre- and post-intervention secret-shopper audits assessed BUP/NX stocking, willingness to order, and a composite of the two, as well as NNS availability without a prescription. Baseline BUP/NX stocking was low at 36.7%, and neither stocking nor the 60.5% willingness-to-order rate changed significantly in either group. Although stocking odds did not differ between groups, pharmacies receiving the mailed materials were significantly more likely to agree to order BUP/NX and to meet the composite outcome. NNS availability increased in both groups but showed no between-group difference. The researchers concluded that mailed academic detailing is feasible and scalable but insufficient on its own, noting that higher-intensity educational, policy, or regulatory strategies will likely be needed to meaningfully improve access.

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