Patient Willingness to Dispose of Leftover Opioids After Surgery: A Mixed Methods Study.

ABSTRACT: We examined how convenience and financial incentives influence patient willingness to dispose of leftover prescription opioids after surgery. We also identified additional barriers and facilitators to disposal.

Background

In the United States, up to 70% of surgical patients are prescribed opioids and up to 92% will have leftover tablets. Most do not dispose of leftover opioids, increasing the risk for opioid-related harm. Current interventions promoting opioid disposal have shown mixed success.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods study using a standard gamble survey and semi-structured interviews. Participants estimated willingness to dispose in 16 scenarios with varying convenience (time requirements of <5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes) and financial incentives ($0, $5, $25, $50)

SUBMITTER: Draper P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9780041 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature