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.

Understanding factors that contribute to the disposal of unused opioid medication

This study sought to understand the barriers and motivations for the appropriate disposal of prescription opioid medication. Factors associated with retention included receiving education about disposal practices, being prescribed short-acting/immediate-release opioids, and a desire to have opioid pain medication available in case it is needed at a later date. Being prescribed an extended-release/long-acting opioid, receiving compensation for opioid medication disposal, and geographic convenience of a disposal kiosk were cited as factors that did or would contribute to the proper disposal of opioids. This study demonstrates suggested methods and opportunities for improved compliance in disposing of opioids, which may be helpful in successfully addressing the opioid epidemic.