Yes / Background
The issue of opioid use and misuse is current and topical at
present with reports of opioid epidemics in the USA and the
increasing use of opioids in other parts of the world. The New
Scientist asserted that America was in the throes of an opioid
epidemic with reports of fatalities linked to physical contact
with fentanyl. Discussions have progressed from an American
focus to speculating on the spread of this issue to UK cities,
Glasgow in particular. Safety issues have more recently come
to light regarding the physical application and management of
specific drug forms e.g. opioid transdermal patches (OTPs).
The prescribing, application and safe disposal of OTPs within
both healthcare settings and personal dwellings is critical to
the effective use of these products. Healthcare professionals
have a duty of care and responsibility to ensure the safe
application and disposal of OTPs.
Aims
The aims of this study were to 1) gain insight into current
practices of healthcare professionals regarding OTPs (fentanyl
and buprenorphine) disposal practices and 2) identify
Abstract
knowledge and system awareness surrounding the disposal
of these products in care home settings.
Methods
We decided to focus on care homes due to the estimated
high prevalence of prescribing of OTPs in these care settings.
The study was undertaken by the University of Bradford
School of Pharmacy in 2015 and the participant sample
focussed on the North of England (UK).
Results
The findings (based on 56 survey responses) displayed a
significant variation in current disposal practices and a lack
of specific working policies. We unearthed anomalies in the
participants’ knowledge of the active ingredient volume held in
depleted patches which, if not disposed of correctly, can lead
to harm. This has highlighted the need for more thorough
training and education on the safe and effective management
of OTPs.
Conclusions
Further education and training is needed regarding safe
disposal practices of OTPs, with the suggestion of
pharmacist-led interventions. This will minimise confusion and
reinforce safe disposal practices (denaturing products) and
support the reduction of unsafe disposal practices (domestic
waste or flushing).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BRADFORD/oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/16660 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | Breen, Liz, Zaman, Hadar, McCulloch, Elizabeth, Isaq, Sabah |
| Source Sets | Bradford Scholars |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Article, Published version |
| Rights | © 2018 Pharman. Reproduced with permission from the publisher., Unspecified |
| Relation | https://www.pharman.co.uk/journals/the-journal/files/assets/basic-html/page-1.html |
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