Document Type
Capstone
Associated Faculty
Sean Sibley, NP
Sponsoring Academic Department
School of Nursing
Publication Date
Spring 4-23-2025
Abstract/ Summary
There are no governing bodies regulating household medication storage and waste. Safe medication storage and disposal is heavily regulated in healthcare facilities. Improper storage and waste leads to harm. Primary care providers routinely educate patients on new medication regarding indications, side effects, interactions, and follow-up. However, there is minimal education about safe storage or disposal of medications. Medications may be kept in homes “just in case” or wasted improperly. Accidental overdose, medication mix-ups, use of expired medication, and ingestion by children are risks posed when medications are improperly stored. Older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions, are at highest risk of harm. Pharmaceutical waste levels in the water supply are rising and have a profound impact on aquatic life. This synthesis of research is a discussion of how primary care providers can utilize education and resources to impact knowledge of home medication practices and enhance safety.
Repository Citation
Beaulieu, Lindsay, "Home Medication Safety: Provider Education Impact" (2025). Non-Thesis Student Work. 89.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/student_work/89
Version
publisher's version of the published document
Poster