Association of caregiver-reported education with locked storage and disposal of prescription opioids after children's surgery
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In brief
In brief
Survey study of 606 caregivers found that verbal education significantly increased locked opioid storage after pediatric surgery, but education alone did not improve disposal rates of leftover medications. Findings suggest multimodal strategies beyond education are needed to address opioid disposal gaps.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to assess whether caregiver-reported storage and disposal education were associated with locked opioid storage and disposal of leftover opioids after children's surgery.
Methods
Caregivers of children <18 years who were prescribed an opioid were surveyed 7–21 days after surgery at an academic children's hospital (4/1/2018–3/31/2019) on opioid-related education and management practices (54% response rate). Multivariable logistic regression models were estimated for locked storage and disposal of leftover opioids as functions of storage and disposal education, adjusting for demographics, procedure, prescription characteristics, and postoperative day at time of survey.
Main Findings
Among 606 respondents, storage education was reported by 366 (60.4%) and locked storage by 111 caregivers (18.3%). Caregivers who reported verbal storage education (aOR 3.01 (95% CI 1.52–5.94); p = 0.001) or both written and verbal storage education (aOR 2.18 (95% CI 1.30–3.68); p = 0.003) were more likely to lock opioids in storage. Among 451 caregivers with leftover opioids, disposal education was reported by 226 (50.1%) and disposal by 111 caregivers (24.6%). There was no association between verbal and/or written disposal education with disposal.
Conclusion
Caregivers infrequently reported education, locked storage, and disposal of leftover opioids after children's surgery. Education may improve locked opioid storage, but additional strategies are needed to increase disposal.
Type of Study
Treatment.
Level of Evidence
Level III.