Our project goal was to investigate the impact of drug waste protocols in Massachusetts and look into legislation in other states related to this issue. We collected data through interviews with pharmacists, patients, nurses, organizations, and lawmakers. Our findings were: safety protocols, overmedication, and expired medication lead to drug waste. Moreover, dropbox areas/cactus devices can be improved, Pharmacy Benefit Managers exacerbate the burden of drug waste, diversion is an overlooked aspect of drug waste, and legislation regarding drug waste is weak. Based on these findings, we recommend solutions such as deprescribing, public awareness of disposal sites, adjustment of safety protocols, creating an environment for drug reuse companies, and implementing dose banding.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Torres, Janelly
• Ruddat, Mark
• Christianson, Luka

Subject

• Community
• Project-Based Learning
• Health
• Environment

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050223-204617
• 108061

Keyword

• Environment
• Economic
• Drug Waste
• Legislation

Advisor

• Roberts, Laura
• Elmes, Michael B.

Year

• 2023

Center

• Worcester Community Project Center (Massachusetts) - IQP

Sponsor

• Abigail Ware
• Worcester Representative Mary Keefe

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Date created

• 2023-05-02

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Source

• E-project-050223-204617

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-06-16