A needs assessment of unused and expired medication disposal practices: A study from the Medication Safety Research Network of Indiana

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• 作者：Mary Ann Kozak ; Dr.P.H. ; M.H.S.A.^a ; ^{makozak@purdue.edu" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author} ; Johnna R. Melton ; R.Ph.^b ; Stephanie A. Gernant ; Pharm.D. ; M.S.^a ; Margie E. Snyder ; Pharm.D. ; M.P.H.^a
• 关键词：Poisoning ; Community pharmacy ; Behavior
• 刊名：Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
• 出版年：2016
• 出版时间：March-April 2016
• 年：2016
• 卷：12
• 期：2
• 页码：336-340
• 全文大小：193 K

文摘

Access and availability of unused and expired medication (UEM) due to improper disposal and storage is a serious issue, potentially leading to abuse and environmental concerns.

Objective

To describe the extent of the UEM issue in Indiana (U.S. State), identify patient beliefs about UEM, and determine any association between those beliefs and various personal/demographic characteristics.

Results

A needs assessment was conducted among community pharmacy patients. A convenience sample of 200 patients from 15 community pharmacies that are part of a practice-based research network (PBRN) in Indiana completed a survey concerning UEM beliefs and behaviors from Feb–March, 2014. Approximately 40% of patients were aware of a UEM take-back location in their community, although only 15% had utilized a UEM take-back location. Seventy-seven percent of patients were willing to drive to a take-back location to return UEM. Particularly vulnerable populations lacking knowledge regarding UEM and access to proper disposal were identified.

Conclusions

While states have made efforts to increase accessibility for UEM return, there remains a need for more disposal locations for both non-controlled and controlled medication.