The Feasibility of Adding Controlled Substance Waste Assay Testing to a Current Drug Prevention Program

Abstract

Anesthesia care providers (ACP) are entrusted with enormous access to controlled substances and anesthetics of various types and strengths. This access enables them to perform a highly technical and stressful job. Many studies have determined that ACPs are at significant risk for drug abuse and drug diversion while at work. The current intervention of providing education on the high risk of drug use among anesthesia professionals has not decreased drug diversion, in fact it currently remains unchanged and has increased making it the most significant occupational safety hazard ACPs face daily. A thorough review of the literature about drug diversion and CS waste assay testing was performed and implications for practice and suggestions were summarized in a project proposal. This project focused on determining if implementation of a controlled substance (CS) waste assay testing program is a feasible option at a large level one-trauma center. To elicit feasibility for implementation of a new method for detecting drug diversion key stakeholders of this medical facility were recruited to participate in a focus group discussion the group consensus was that assay testing could be a reliable means for determining and preventing diversion of controlled substances. It becomes more difficult to divert with CS waste assay testing in place. The group had expressed confidence in assay testing as a more reliable process than the current two-person waste of CS. The key stakeholder consensus was implementation of CS waste assay testing would most likely protect patients, providers, and the healthcare institution from drug diversion.