Leveraging Community Partnerships and Education to Improve the Safe Use, Storage and Disposal of Opioids

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Literature suggests patients often have leftover opioids after surgery. It has also been reported that opioids are frequently not stored in a safe place at home. With the assistance of a community program, this hospital system received a donation of items to safely store and/or dispose of opioids to give to patients being discharged with an opioid prescription. <h3>Identification of the problem</h3> Utilizing the Instrument developed by Odem-Forren (Odom-Forren, Brady, Rayens, & Sloan, 2019), nurses were assessed for their knowledge and practice on safe opioids use, storage and disposal education. Gaps were identified across a community based hospital system with four hospitals and two outpatient surgery centers. <h3>EBP Question/Purpose: PICO question. Databases utilized</h3> For Perianesthesia nurses, will education and the availability of disposal and storage of opioid options for patients over standard of care, improve discharge teaching practice of safe use, storage and disposal of opioids and patient satisfaction scores? <h3>Methods/Evidence</h3> Education is key to increasing the patient's likelihood of disposal of opioids. To ensure proper education is being provided, nurses need to be knowledgeable about misuse of opioids in the community and the importance of storing or disposing of opioids safely. Champions were identified at each hospital in the system to ensure adoption. Disposal and storage items were compiled and "DASH" (Disposal And Storage at Home) bins were created for each unit that discharges outpatient surgery patients. The education plan was developed based on gaps in knowledge and practice from survey. Education is currently in progress with post-survey to follow. <h3>Significance of Findings/Outcomes</h3> Monitoring for improved patient satisfaction scores, increase in documentation of education, disposal and storage items given and improved post implementation survey results will occur. Results will be analyzed in December 2020. <h3>Implications for perianesthesia nurses and future research</h3> Perianesthesia nurses play a critical role educating patients. Because of this, it is crucial we as nurses are knowledgeable and aware of the safe use, storage and disposal practices that are recommended. Being able to supply patients with the needed items to safely store and dispose of opioids is an added benefit that should be considered whenever possible.