Pilot evaluation of a pharmacist-led technical assistance program to address buprenorphine dispensing in community pharmacies

Background Pharmacy-based barriers, including stigma and prescriber communication difficulties, can limit patient access to buprenorphine. Objective The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived usefulness of a pharmacist-led technical assistance (TA) program in addition to an online training to support buprenorphine dispensing in community pharmacies. Methods A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted between February and November 2025 with five North Carolina community pharmacists. Participants completed an online training, approximately six meetings with a pharmacist TA, and two standardized patient interactions (one interaction before and after TA was complete). TAs tracked their time, and semi-structured interviews assessed feasibility, acceptability, and perceived usefulness. Results Pharmacists found the TA sessions acceptable and useful because they addressed site-specific needs, including communication with staff, patients, and prescribers; wholesaler thresholds; red flags; telehealth prescribing concerns; and filling bridge scripts. Pharmacists particularly valued learning from a peer with dispensing experience. Regarding feasibility, pharmacists emphasized the importance of an in-person visit followed by 13–22-min virtual follow-up sessions and recommended expanding the program to additional staff. Communication with SPs improved after receiving TA, though stigmatizing language persisted. Conclusion A pharmacist-led TA model was feasible, acceptable, and useful for addressing practice barriers to buprenorphine dispensing.