Medication disposal: How prepared are pharmacy students?

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the confidence and capability of Doctor of Pharmacy students in their ability to communicate appropriate medication disposal methods for various dosage forms. MethodsAn anonymous survey questionnaire approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) was created and distributed to all Doctor of Pharmacy students enrolled in Florida pharmacy programs during the 2014–2015 academic year. This tool included both Likert-type and free response format methods to assess student confidence in and capability of explaining how to dispose properly of medications. ResultsAn estimated response rate of 11% of all Doctor of Pharmacy students in Florida programs yielded a total of 286 student responses. Of these, 65% of students reported having exposure to information about medication disposal within the classroom setting. Students reported a median confidence level of 6 out of 10 in their ability to properly counsel on appropriate medication disposal practices. Free response items for medication disposal indicated that 37–46% of students participating in this survey were “unsure” or provided no response to the question of how to dispose of various dosage forms of medications. ConclusionMedication disposal is an important medical, safety, and environmental concern. Pharmacy students reported a low level of confidence and potential weakness in their capability for correctly disposing of medications. More standardized education, in addition to a stronger emphasis on the importance of appropriate medication disposal, may be warranted in pharmacy curricula and training.