• Kenneth R Sloss, Gracia Vargas, Chad M Brummett, Michael J Englesbe, Jennifer F Waljee, Samir Gadepalli, and Calista Harbaugh.
• Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
• J. Pediatr. Surg. 2020 Nov 1; 55 (11): 2442-2447.

PurposeThis 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.MethodsCaregivers 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 FindingsAmong 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.ConclusionCaregivers 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 StudyTreatment.Level Of EvidenceLevel III.Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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