Barriers and motivational factors for engaging in novel opioid and medication disposal-related services in community pharmacies

The study implemented an at-home opioid disposal product in a pediatric outpatient surgical center in an attempt to address the risks of opioid misuse and diversion from leftover prescription opioid medication. Patients or guardians were provided with disposal packets and educational materials during the discharge process. This process led to a significant decrease in retention and an increase in proper disposal of unused opioid medications. Families reported finding the packets convenient and effective. This initiative demonstrated the potential of such interventions to improve opioid safety practice and highlighted the importance of integrating disposal tools and education into discharge planning as a way to help combat the opioid epidemic.

Preventing Opioid Diversion and Abuse by Using an At-home Opioid Disposal Method: An Improvement Project in a Pediatric Outpatient Surgical Center

Providing an at-home disposal product is a viable method of encouraging proper disposal of unused opioids. The combined cost of the disposal packet plus the instructional flyer was $1.90 per patient. Additional efforts are being undertaken to evaluate whether follow-up reminder calls at 2 weeks can be simplified to be included in the postoperative follow-up call to increase parent/guardian adherence.