Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 9, 2026

Demonstration of the Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility Tool for Rapid Assessment of Protein Conservation
Published on: February 10, 2023
Opioid Wastes in Cancer Care: A Retrospective Electronic Health Record Review
Karen E Alsbrook1, Valerie Shelton2, Trinity Isaac3
1Karen E. Alsbrook.
Background:
Analyzing reasons for opioid wastes documented in the electronic health record (EHR), particularly instances of patient refusal, may offer insight into the prevalence of opiophobia as a potential proxy indicator.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to identify and classify reasons for wasting opioid analgesics as documented in the EHR for one year at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.
Methods:
This descriptive study retrospectively reviewed nurse-documented opioid wastes from January 1 to December 31, 2023. Opioid wastes with reasons documented as missed, refused, returned to cabinet, on hold, held, or stopped were included. Investigators used directed content analysis to code wastes as intentional, accidental, or patient related. Patient-related wastes were further coded because of patient condition or refusal, with refusals subcoded by nurse comments.
Findings:
Most opioid wastes were intentional and mandated by hospital policies, and 477 wastes were attributed to patient refusals. Future prospective research can attempt to clarify the reasons why patients and their family caregivers refrain from using opioids.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Methods of Documentation II: POMR
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...

