Opioid Disposal Research Articles

Recruiting hand therapists improves disposal of unused opioid medication

BackgroundOpioids often remain unused after upper extremity surgery, and leftover prescriptions are frequently diverted. When administered in a hand surgery clinic, an educational brochure outlining a simple method of opioid disposal has been shown to improve disposal rates after surgery. PurposeTo understand whether administration of an opioid disposal educational brochure in a hand therapy clinic would increase opioid disposal rates, compared to a hand surgery clinic. Study DesignProspective cohort study. MethodsPatients who presented to a hand therapy clinic postoperatively were recruited to participate in this prospective cohort study. An educational brochure outlining a simple method of opioid disposal was made available at the hand therapy and surgery clinics. A questionnaire was later issued to obtain: location of brochure receipt, demographic information, pre- and post-operative opioid use history, and opioid disposal patterns. Chi-square tests and multivariable binary logistic regression assessed associations between medication disposal and explanatory variables. ResultsPatients who received the brochure were significantly more likely to dispose of excess opioid medication, compared to those who did not receive the brochure (57.1% vs 10.8%, p < .001). Patients who received the brochure at the hand therapy clinic were significantly more likely to dispose of excess opioids (86.4%) compared to those who received the brochure at the surgery clinic (25.0%). Older age was predictive of increased disposal (p =.028*). There were no significant associations between gender, length of follow-up, or surgery type with the incidence of opioid disposal. ConclusionRecruiting both hand therapists and surgeons in the distribution of a simple, educational brochure on opioid disposal can increase disposal rates. Patients who received the brochure from the hand therapist were more likely to dispose of excess opioids. The longstanding patient-therapist relationship creates an opportunity for educational initiatives and discussion of stigmatized topics, such as opioid use.

A Risk Education Program Decreases Leftover Prescription Opioid Retention: An RCT

Retaining leftover prescription opioids poses the risks of diversion, misuse, overdose, and death for youth and other family members. This study examined whether a new educational program would enhance risk perceptions and disposal intentions among parents and decrease their retention of leftover prescription opioids. This study is an RCT (NCT03287622). A total of 648 parents whose children were prescribed opioid analgesics were recruited from a Midwestern, academic pediatric hospital between 2017 and 2019. Parents were randomized to receive routine information (control) with or without Scenario-Tailored Opioid Messaging Program intervention. The intervention provided opioid risk and mitigation advice using interactive decisional feedback. The main outcome measures were parents' perceptions of the riskiness of keeping/sharing opioids and child misuse measured at baseline, Days 3 and 14, their intention to dispose of leftover opioids, and their final retention decisions after the child's use (at or around Day 14). Perceived riskiness of child misuse and keeping/sharing opioids increased from baseline through Day 14 only for parents in the intervention group (p≤0.006). However, there were no significant differences in risk perceptions between groups and no intervention effect on disposal intentions at either follow-up. Despite these findings, the intervention reduced the likelihood of parents' opioid retention when adjusted for important parent and child covariates (AOR=0.48; 95% CI=0.25, 0.93; p=0.028). Parents who reported past opioid misuse also showed higher retention behavior (AOR=4.78; 95% CI=2.05, 11.10; p&lt;0.001). A scenario-specific educational intervention emphasizing the potential risks that leftover opioids pose to children and that provided risk mitigation advice decreased parents' retention of their child's leftover opioid medication. Removing leftover prescription drugs from homes with children may be an important step to reducing diversion, accidental poisoning, and misuse among youth. This study is registered at www. gov NCT03287622.

Efficacy of a password-protected, pill-dispensing device with mail return capacity to enhance disposal of unused opioids after cancer surgery.

Opioid misuse is a public health crisis, and unused postoperative opioids are an important source. Although 70% of pills prescribed go unused, only 9% are discarded. This study evaluated whether an inexpensive pill-dispensing device with mail return capacity could enhance disposal of unused opioids after cancer surgery. A prospective pilot study was conducted among adult patients who underwent major cancer-related surgery. Patients received opioid prescriptions in a mechanical device (Addinex) linked to a smartphone application (app). The app provided passwords on a prescriber-defined schedule. Patients could enter a password into the device and receive a pill if the prescribed time had elapsed. Patients were instructed to return the device and any unused pills in a disposal mailer. The primary end point was feasibility of device return, defined as ≥50% of patients returning the device within 6 weeks of surgery. Also explored was total pill use and return as well as patient satisfaction. Among 30 patients enrolled, the majority (n= 24, 80%) returned the device, and 17 (57%) returned it within 6 weeks of surgery. In total, 567 opioid pills were prescribed and 170 (30%) were used. Of 397 excess pills, 332 (84% of unused pills, 59% of all pills prescribed) were disposed of by mail. Among 19 patients who obtained opioids from the device, most (n= 14, 74%) felt the benefits of the device justified the added steps involved. Use of an inexpensive pill-dispensing device with mail return capacity is a feasible strategy to enhance disposal of unused postoperative opioids.

Optimizing Appropriate Disposal of Unused Postoperative Opioid: What Happens to Unused Medication?

Increase in opioid prescribing practices has occurred with concurrent increases in the levels of abuse, addiction, and diversion of opioid pain medication. With 82.5 opioid prescriptions prescribed for every 100 U.S. citizens, the need for more effective strategies aimed at improving opioid disposal exist. Our study sought to examine the planned rates of appropriate opioid disposal after introduction of an activated charcoal home drug disposal system (Deterra®) in combination with formalized opioid disposal education. Participants were recruited from an academic, public safety-net hospital and grouped into 3 cohorts, no formalized opioid disposal education (No Education), written and verbal patient education on appropriate opioid disposal (Education), and Deterra® in addition to formalized opioid disposal education (Deterra). Outcomes included patients reporting unacceptable methods of opioid disposal, storage of unused opiates, and patient satisfaction with disposal instructions. Reported unacceptable opioid disposal decreased from 80.6% (n = 87) in the no education group to 20% (n = 10) in the education group to 6% (n = 3) in the Deterra group (P < .001). Education decreased long-term storage of opioid medication after completion of usage from 42% (n = 36) to 2% (n = 1), P < .001. Between the education and Deterra groups, more patients felt that the disposal instructions were clear (94% (n = 47) vs 73% (n = 36), P = .006) and more followed acceptable disposal instructions (80% (n = 39) vs 94% (n = 47) P < .001). Deterra® along with formal opioid disposal education increases patients reporting plans for compliance with appropriate opioid disposal.

Zynrelef and the Quest to Eliminate Opioid Prescriptions Following Outpatient Surgery

Postoperative outpatient opioid prescribing is a major contributor to the opioid epidemic. An estimated 61% to 75% of opioids prescribed to surgical patients at discharge go unused.1-3 This creates an opportunity for opioid tablet stockpiling that is exacerbated by poor adherence to proper opioid disposal. Retained and often insecurely stored opioids facilitate opioid diversion into communities and present an opportunity for individual misuse which includes dependence, abuse, and overdose.

Dispose with dish soap: A simple and convenient method to increase proper opioid disposal in postoperative pediatric patients

The opioid abuse crisis is rampant in the United States. Children and adolescents are unique risk groups in this crisis; age-specific concerns include accidental ingestion and association with high-risk behaviors. Studies aimed at disposal are limited in pediatric patients. Our study aimed to determine whether an educational brochure detailing a simple opioid disposal method using dish soap could enhance disposal in postoperative pediatric patients. A prospective survey study of pediatric plastic surgery patients at the St. Louis Children's Hospital was performed from January to December 2020. Patients were assigned into two groups: those who received the educational brochure at the time of surgery and those who did not. In clinic, patient caretakers completed anonymous preoperative and/or postoperative surveys regarding opioid use and disposal. Surveys of 326 patients were analyzed (188 preoperative, 120 pre/postoperative, and 18 postoperative). Prescribed opioids were all consumed in 19% of patients. Receiving the educational brochure significantly increased the opioid disposal of leftover medications: 78% versus 35% (OR 6.52, 95% CI [2.03, 21.37], p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant owing to small sample size (p=0.09), 71.4% of families with excess opioids in the home preoperatively retained unused postoperative opioids versus 31.6% without preoperative opioids. Postoperative opioids are overprescribed for most pediatric plastic surgery patients. A simple brochure significantly increases proper postoperative opioid disposal, representing a cost-effective, convenient, risk-free method to decrease opioid misuse and accumulation in our communities.

134. Dispose With Dish Soap: A Simple And Convenient Method to Increase Proper Opioid Disposal in Postoperative Pediatric Patients

134. Dispose With Dish Soap: A Simple And Convenient Method to Increase Proper Opioid Disposal in Postoperative Pediatric Patients

Factors Associated With Safe Prescription Opioid Disposal After Surgery in Adolescents

IntroductionUnused prescription opioids contribute to diversion, unintended exposure, and poisonings in adolescents. Factors associated with safe prescription opioid disposal for adolescents undergoing surgery are unknown. MethodsParents of adolescents (13-20 y) undergoing surgery associated with an opioid prescription were enrolled preoperatively. Parents completed a baseline survey measuring sociodemographics and family history of substance abuse and two postoperative surveys capturing opioid use and disposal at 30 and 90 d. Safe disposal was defined as returning opioids to a healthcare facility, pharmacy, take-back event, or a police station. Factors associated with safe opioid disposal were assessed using bivariate analysis. ResultsOf 119 parent-adolescent dyads, 90 (76%) reported unused opioids after surgery. The majority of parents reporting unused opioids completed the surveys in English (80%), although many (44%) spoke another language at home. Most reported income levels <$60,000 (54%), did not attend college (69%), and had adequate health literacy (66%). Most parents (78%) did not report safe opioid disposal. Safe opioid disposal was associated with younger patient age, (median 14 y, IQR 13-16.5 versus median 15.5 y, IQR 14-17, P = 0.031), fewer days taking opioids (median 5, IQR 2-6 versus median 7, IQR 4-14, P = 0.048), and more leftover pills (median 20, IQR 10-35 versus median 10, IQR 5-22, P = 0.008). ConclusionsMost parents fail to safely dispose of unused opioids after their adolescent’s surgery. Younger patient age, shorter duration of opioid use, and higher number of unused pills were associated with safe disposal. Interventions to optimize prescribing and educate parents about safe opioid disposal are warranted.

Efficacy of a password-protected, pill-dispensing device with mail return capacity to enhance disposal of unused opioids after cancer surgery.

12019 Background: Opioid misuse is a public health crisis. Initial opioid exposures often occur post-operatively, and 10% of opioid-naïve patients who undergo cancer surgery subsequently become long-term opioid users. It has been shown that 70% of opioids prescribed post-operatively go unused, but only 9% of unused pills are disposed of appropriately, which increases the risk of unintended use. We evaluated the impact of an inexpensive, password-protected pill-dispensing device with mail return capacity on disposal of unused pills after cancer surgery. Methods: We conducted a prospective, proof-of-concept pilot study among adult patients scheduled for major cancer-related surgery. Enrolled patients received opioid prescriptions in a pill-dispensing device (Addinex) from a specialty pharmacy. The mechanical device linked to a smartphone app, which provided passwords on a prescriber-defined schedule. Patients were able to enter unique passwords into the device to receive their pills if the prescribed time had elapsed. The smartphone app provided clinical guidance based on patient-reported pain levels, and suggested tapering strategies. Patients were instructed to return the device in a DEA-approved mailer when opioid use was no longer required for acute pain control. Unused pills were destroyed upon receipt. The primary objective was to determine the feasibility of device return, defined as &gt; 50% within 6 weeks. We also explored total pill use and return, patterns of device use and patient satisfaction. Results: We enrolled 30 patients between October 2020 and December 2021. The median age was 46 (range 29–72). Surgical procedures included abdominal hysterectomy (13), mastectomy and reconstruction (10), and soft tissue tumor resections (7). Overall, the majority of participants (n = 24, 80%) returned the device, and more than half (n = 17, 57%) returned the device within 6 weeks of surgery. There were 19 patients who obtained opioids from the device. Among these patients, the majority were satisfied with the device (n = 14, 74%); felt the benefits of the device justified the added steps involved (n = 14, 74%); and would sign up to receive opioids in the device again (n = 13, 68%). The other 11 patients used no opioids. None of these non-users reported any opioid requirements for pain control, and all but one (n = 10, 91%) returned the device and unused pills. In total, 567 opioids were prescribed, and 170 (30%) were used. Of the 397 excess pills, 332 (84% of unused pills, 59% of all pills prescribed) were returned by mail. Conclusions: We found that use of an inexpensive pill-dispensing device with mail return capacity was a feasible and effective strategy to enhance disposal of unused post-operative opioids. Interestingly, a substantial number of prescribed pills were unused. This system also improves confidence with indicated opioid use while reducing diversion.

Effect of Mailing an At-home Disposal Kit on Unused Opioid Disposal After Surgery

This randomized clinical trial tests the effect of a mailed, at-home disposal kit on disposal rates of unused opioids after surgery.

Pain management after third molar extractions in adolescents: a qualitative study

BackgroundUnderstanding how adolescent patients make decisions about pain management after complex dental procedures could help reduce the use of opioid medications and the potential for future opioid misuse in this population. This qualitative study explores how adolescents manage pain, including how decision making with parents and providers affect their experience with opioid and non-opioid analgesics after third molar dental extractions.MethodsWe used a qualitative approach for the analysis of 30 telephone-based semi-structured interviews completed by 15 dyads between May and August 2019, which included 15 adolescents (15–17 years) who underwent a dental extraction, and a parent or guardian for each adolescent. The total sample included 30 participants. Interviews were conducted separately for patients and parents. De-identified interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative analysis software using a directed content analysis approach.ResultsA total of 15 patient/parent dyads were interviewed. Key themes associated with pain management included sources of information, pain management behaviors engaged in by the adolescents and their caregivers, and the use of medication. In addition to conversations with their dental provider, most patients and their parents discussed pain management plans that included non-medication options, over-the-counter medications, and opioid medications to be taken as needed, which guided their post-extraction behaviors. All participants reported that the adolescent received an opioid prescription for post-extraction pain management, to be taken on an “as needed” basis, but most only took it the day of the extraction and up to 2 days following, usually based on the patient’s reported pain levels and perceptions of over-the-counter medication adequacy. Participants said they did not receive guidance from their provider concerning disposal of unused opioid medications.ConclusionsInvolving adolescents in the pain management decision making process and allowing them to carry out the plan with some caregiver support was acceptable and well executed following third molar extractions. Providers may have an opportunity to reduce the number of opioids prescribed, since respondents reported little to no use of opioids that they were prescribed. Providers should educate patients and their parents about safe disposal of opioids to mitigate the potential for diversion.

Effect of a Medication Disposal Pouch versus Usual Care on Post Discharge Disposal of Unused Opioids: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To determine frequency of disposal of unused opioids after surgical procedures based on medication disposal pouch use or usual care, and patient factors associated with disposal. Two-group experimental design and convenience sample. Same-day surgery adults who received opioid orders were randomized to usual care or usual care plus a medication disposal pouch for opioid disposal. Opioid disposal and pain characteristics were collected by telephone at 30±10 days post discharge. Other data were abstracted from a hospital database. Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson's Chi-Square and Fisher's exact tests. Logistic regression models were built to identify predictors of disposal of unused opioids. Of 221 adults, mean age was 58.5 years and 50.2% were female. Overall, 121 received medication disposal pouches and 100 received usual care. Among those with a filled prescription, there was no between-group difference in the number of patients who used all of their opioid medication (disposal pouch group, 29.5%; usual care group, 21.7%). Of 74 disposal pouch and 65 usual care patients who did not use all opioid medications, 23.0% and 13.8%, respectively, disposed of opioids, and of the 23.0% of patients who disposed of medications in the disposal pouch group, 94.1% used the medication disposal pouch. After controlling for 7 factors, the odds of disposal of unused opioids increased among patients who received the intervention, had lower pain scores on the worst day of postoperative pain, and had a history of renal diagnoses (versus those with gastrointestinal diagnoses). Although opioid medication disposal rates were higher in the medication disposal pouch group; overall rates of disposal of unused opioid medications were low. More research is needed to learn important factors and methods associated with opioid disposal.

Evaluation of opioid disposal process for home hospice patients.

Context: Considering the national opioid epidemic and its impact on thousands of lives, the importance of appropriate management of controlled substances in the home hospice setting is paramount. Family members tend to be the primary caregivers for home hospice patients, and hospice nurses are the front line for providing education on opioid disposal. As such, the importance of effective and consistent education is essential in minimizing the risks of misuse and diversion. Objectives: To evaluate the use of a standardized opioid disposal policy through the implementation of three steps: (1) opioid education at enrollment in hospice program; (2) the use of the Medication Diversion or Misuse checklist; and (3) a review of the standards for safe opioid disposal. We also evaluated the current knowledge and understanding of the standard processes of opioid education and disposal among home hospice nurses. Study Design: Mixed methods. Setting or Dataset: Retrospective data and survey data, Milwaukee, WI; 07-12/2019. Population Study: Home hospice patients, home hospice registered nurses. Outcome Measures: The fidelity of our institution's opioid medication disposal policy and knowledge of the policy. Basic descriptive statistics were used to describe the patients and survey responses. Results: A total of 160 patients met inclusion criteria. We found that 108 (67.9%) patients/families received education on admission, 11 (6.9%) families received education on opioid disposal at the time of death, and 152 (95.6%) of families had an opioid disposal discussion at the death certification visit. Of the 16 nursing survey respondents, only 3 (18.8%) consistently provided all of the necessary education to new patients. However, when education is provided, 14 (87.5%) respondents did provide all the appropriate instructions regarding dosing, administration, side effects, and storage. On death calls/visits, 13 (81.2%) reported consistently providing the appropriate education regarding opioid disposal. Conclusion: Our results suggests that nursing staff do provide the appropriate education regarding the use and administration of opioids, as well as appropriate disposal practices, but do not do so consistently. The project highlighted the importance of continued nursing education regarding safe opioid use, disposal, and awareness of drug diversions.

QP6: Safe Opioid Education and Disposal in the Home Hospice Setting

QP6: Safe Opioid Education and Disposal in the Home Hospice Setting

Opioid use after uro-oncologic surgeries in time of opioid crisis.

Recent literature emphasizes how overprescription and lack of guidelines contribute to wide variation in opioid prescribing practices and opioid-related harms. We conducted a prospective, observational study to evaluate opioid prescriptions among uro-oncologic patients discharged following elective in-patient surgery. Patients who underwent four surgeries were included: open retropubic radical prostatectomy, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. The primary outcome was the dose of opioids used after discharge (in oral morphine equivalents [MEq]). Secondary outcomes included: opioid requirements for 80% of the patients, management of unused opioids, opioid use three months postoperative, opioid prescription refills, and guidance about opioid disposal. Sixty patients were included for analysis. Patients used a mean of 30 MEq (95% confidence interval 17.8-42.2) at home and 80% of the patients used 50 MEq or less. A mean of 40.4 MEq per patient was overprescribed. Fifty percent of the patients kept the remaining opioids at home, with only 20.0% returning them to their pharmacy. After three months, 5.0% of the patients were using opioids at least occasionally. Three patients needed a new opioid prescription. Forty percent reported having received information regarding management of unused opioids. We found 60% of opioids prescribed were unused, with half of our patients keeping these unused tablets at home. Our results suggest appropriate opioid prescription amounts needed for urological cancer surgery, with 80% of the patients using 50 MEq or less of morphine equivalents.

This Month in Anesthesiology

This Month in Anesthesiology

Opioids for acute pain management in children.

Opioids are integral to multimodal analgesic regimens in children with moderate to severe acute pain. Throughout normal childhood there are marked changes in physiology, and social and psychological development that influence the perception and expression of pain, the pharmacology of opioids, and how they are used. A multidimensional pain assessment is key to guiding appropriate opioid prescribing. Most of the commonly used opioids in adults are used in children, with the increasing exception of codeine (as a result of regulatory change), and are generally well tolerated. Patient groups at increased risk of ventilatory impairment include neonates and those with obstructive sleep apnoea, severe neurodevelopmental conditions, trisomy 21, and severe epilepsy. Slow-release opioids are not recommended for general use, but may be used in select populations, for example, following scoliosis surgery, major trauma or burns. Prescribing and administration errors are a major issue in paediatrics generally; the potential consequences of opioid prescribing or administration errors are serious, particularly following hospital discharge. Opioids prescribed at discharge are frequently in excess of a child's analgesic requirements; three to five days supply appears sufficient for the majority of common paediatric operations. Discharge opioid prescriptions have been linked to long-term opioid use in adolescents with risk factors. Misuse of prescription opioids by adolescents is also concerning, with prevalence estimates ranging from 1.1% to 20%. Caregivers have a tendency to underdose opioids in their children; caregiver education may improve appropriate administration. Caregivers must also be provided with instructions on safe storage and disposal of unused opioids.

Exploring perspectives on changing opioid prescribing practices: A qualitative study of community stakeholders in the HEALing Communities Study

BackgroundCommunity-based perspectives are needed to more broadly inform policy-makers, public health practitioners, prescribers, and pharmacists about community-led and broader efforts to reduce opioid overprescribing, and ultimately reduce prescription opioid use disorder, overdoses and fatalities. The aim of this study is to explore community-based perspectives on efforts to change opioid prescribing practices in their communities. MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 388 community stakeholders across four states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio) from November 2019 to January 2020 about community approaches and goals of community-led responses to the opioid crisis. Data analysis combined deductive and inductive approaches to identify themes and sub-themes related to improving opioid prescribing practices. ResultsThree major themes and different subthemes were characterized: (1) acknowledging progress (i.e., healthcare providers being part of the solution, provider education, and prescription drug monitoring programs); (2) emergent challenges (i.e., physician nonadherence with safer opioid prescribing guidelines, difficulty identifying appropriate use of opioids, and concerns about accelerating the progression from opioid misuse to drug abuse); and (3) opportunities for change (i.e., educating patients about safer use and proper disposal of opioids, expanding prescriber and pharmacist education, changing unrealistic expectations around eliminating pain, expanding and increasing insurance coverage for alternative treatment options). ConclusionsCommunity stakeholders appeared to support specific opportunities to reduce prescription opioid misuse and improve safer prescribing. The opportunities included culture change around pain expectations, awareness of safe disposal, additional provider education, and increased coverage and acceptability of non-opioid treatments.

Surgical Patient Compliance With Healthcare Facility-Provided In-home Opioid Disposal Products: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the use of an in-home opioid disposal product on unused opioids after surgery. The opioid epidemic in the United States is a major cause of concern for healthcare facilities. The misuse and diversion of retained opioids after a surgical procedure continues to contribute to this problem. A comprehensive search of the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, OVID, and PubMed databases with keywords including opioid, analgesics, narcotics, medical waste disposal, medical disposal, refuse disposal, and opioid disposal resulted in 286 articles. Articles were screened based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight studies determined that an in-home opioid disposal product provided by a healthcare facility produced rates of opioid disposal between 19% and 71%. The provision of an in-home opioid disposal product by a healthcare facility is likely to increase the disposal of unused opioid medications in the postoperative surgical patient population.

Opioid Medication Disposal Among Patients Following Hand Surgery.

Despite increased public awareness to dispose of unused narcotics, opioids prescribed postoperatively are retained, which may lead to drug diversion and abuse. This study assessed retention of unused opioids among hand surgery patients and describes disposal methods and barriers. Participants undergoing hand surgery were given an opioid disposal information sheet preoperatively (N = 222) and surveyed postoperatively to assess disposal or retention of unused opioids, disposal methods, and barriers to disposal. A binomial logistic regression was conducted to assess whether age, sex, pain intensity, and/or the type of procedure were predictors of opioid disposal. There were 171 patients included in the analysis (n = 51 excluded; finished prescription or continued opioid use for pain control). Unused opioids were retained by 134 patients (78%) and disposal was reported by 37 patients (22%). Common disposal methods included returning opioids to a pharmacy (49%) or mixing them with an unwanted substance (24%). Reasons for retention included potential future use (54%), inconvenient disposal methods (21%), or keeping an unfilled prescription (9%). None of the patient factors analyzed (age, sex, type of procedure performed, or pain score) were predictors of disposal of unused narcotics (P > .05). Most patients undergoing hand surgery retained prescribed opioids for future use or due to impractical disposal methods. The most common disposal methods included returning narcotics to a pharmacy or mixing opioids with unwanted substances. Identifying predictors of disposal may provide important information when developing strategies to increase opioid disposal.