IMPROVING PROPER DISPOSAL OF OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS AMONG PATIENTS

Background: The Drug Enforcement Agency recommends using drug take-back programs as a safe and cost-effective way to promote proper disposal of opioid prescriptions and other drugs among patients. Proper disposal of opioid prescriptions prevents drug misuse, diversion, and improper use of medications. Purpose: The purpose was to increase awareness and utilization of the Kaiser Permanente (KP) Drug Take-back Program and to increase proper disposal of opioids among surgical patients within the KP Health system. Methods: The project used the Iowa Model. A comprehensive literature search was conducted regarding opioid disposal methods and educational module learning. An educational module with pre-test and post-test 5-point Likert surveys was developed for health care providers within the perioperative setting. A patient reminder system via email, phone call, text, and U.S. mail were developed to remind patients to return unused prescribed medications. A patient survey was created to evaluate this system. Significance: This was a pilot project to increase knowledge and promote drug take-back programs within the KP system by developing an educational module and patient reminder scripts that may be utilized at the facilities. To date, there has been little literature that examines the influence of education and reminders for drug take-back programs. More studies and projects need to be done regarding drug take-back programs to determine the programs’ effectiveness at increasing the proper disposal of opioid prescriptions and reducing diversion and opioid abuse.