Oversight of Opioid Medications: Safe Storage and Disposal of Medications
Learning Objectives
Recall best‑practice recommendations for secure storage of opioid medications in households with children
Explain appropriate methods for safe disposal of unused or expired medications
Apply harm‑reduction principles to prevent accidental pediatric ingestion and diversion
Analyze how improper medication handling contributes to opioid exposure, overdose, and respiratory compromise
Evaluate caregiver responsibilities in medication management for pediatric patients
Author(s)
David Casavant, MD
Senior Associate in Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
Critical Care and Pain Medicine | Boston Children's Hospital
Assistant Professor of Anaesthesia | Harvard Medical School
Traci Wolbrink, MD, MPH
Co-Director, OPENPediatrics; Co-Director, Center for Educational Excellence and Innovation; Program Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; Senior Associate in Critical Care Medicine | Boston Children’s Hospital
Associate Professor of Anaesthesia | Harvard Medical School
Citation
Casavant D, Wolbrink TA. Oversight of Opioid Medications: Safe Storage and Disposal of Medications. 10/2015. Online video. OPENPediatrics. https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/3154/safe-storage-and-disposal-of-opioid-medications.