Opioid Use and Disposal
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of proper opioid disposal in patients receiving an educational brochure compared to an automated text message delivered directly to patients' cell phones alongside the brochure, compared to no education on the subject.
Detailed description
Opioids are used to treat acute pain after surgery, but can lead to misuse and abuse. Very few patients properly dispose of unused opioids and the majority of opioids are stored in the home in unlocked containers as opposed to being properly disposed of. Improper disposal of opioid medications is a concern due to the potential for nonmedical use and has the potential to cause injury or death for patients and their family members that can access the medications. The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of proper opioid disposal in patients receiving an educational brochure compared to an automated text message delivered directly to patients' cell phones alongside the brochure, compared to no education on the subject. There is evidence that an educational brochure significantly increases proper disposal rates, albeit only to about 25%. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of an educational pamphlet on proper opioid disposal in the total joint arthoplasty population, and to see if the addition of a text messaging system can increase further increase proper disposal rates.
Interventions
OTHERPamphlet education
Patients receive an educational intervention explaining proper opioid disposal
OTHERPamphlet education + texts
Patients receive an educational intervention and text message explaining proper opioid disposal
Sponsors
Rush University Medical Center
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Any patient undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty * Age ≥18 years old
Exclusion criteria
* Patients allergic to oxycodone * Patients consuming opioids during the 4 weeks prior to surgery * Patients with a history of opioid dependence * Patients undergoing revision total knee or hip arthroplasty * Non-English speaking patients * Age \<18 years old
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Disposal rates | 6 weeks after surgery | The rate of an arm's disposal is calculated by comparing the number that properly disposed of their excess medication to the number that did not |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Continued taking opiate rate | 6 weeks after surgery | We will also look at whether the education affects the number of patients that continue taking opiates |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed