Patient Education as a Diversion Prevention Strategy

Introduction: The Patient’s Role in Prevention

When we think about diversion prevention, most of the focus is on internal controls—locks, logs, and staff monitoring.

But patients themselves can be either allies or vulnerabilities in this process.

Educating them on safe medication use, storage, and disposal is one of the most effective—and overlooked—ways to prevent diversion.

A well-informed patient is far less likely to unintentionally contribute to controlled substance misuse.

Step 1: Start the Conversation Early

• At the First Prescription – Explain that controlled substances are regulated for safety and must be handled responsibly.
  
• Use clear, non-judgmental language to reduce stigma and encourage openness.
  
• Provide both verbal counseling and a written handout for reference.
  

Patients should be aware that their prescription information is confidential and should only be shared with immediate family members, the prescribing practice, the dispensing pharmacy, and other medical providers. Discussing this information publicly can pose a risk to personal safety.

Step 2: Explain the Risks of Diversion

• Theft from family, friends, or visitors.
  
• Selling or giving away medication (often unknowingly to someone with a substance use disorder).
  
• Legal consequences for improper storage, sharing, or disposal.
  
• Potential harm to children, pets, or others in the household.
  

Step 3: Teach Safe Storage Practices

• Keep medications in a locked box or cabinet, not in a bathroom or kitchen cabinet.
  
• Avoid storing in predictable locations (e.g., nightstands, kitchen drawers).
  
• Limit knowledge of storage location to the patient or a trusted caregiver.
  
• Never leave medication in an unlocked car, even briefly.
  

Step 4: Emphasize the Importance of Adherence

• Take medications exactly as prescribed—no extra doses, no skipping without medical advice.
  
• Explain that “saving” pills for later can lead to accidental misuse or theft.
  
• Encourage patients to report any lost or stolen medication immediately.
  

Step 5: Promote Proper Disposal

• Use DEA-approved drug take-back programs or kiosks at pharmacies.
  
• Provide locations or a link to the DEA’s searchable take-back locator.
  
• If take-back isn’t available:
  
  • Mix medication with an unappealing substance (coffee grounds, kitty litter).
    
  • Seal in a bag before placing in household trash.
    
  • Remove personal information from prescription labels.
    

Step 6: Integrate Education Into Every Visit

• Reinforce safe use, storage, and disposal at follow-up appointments.
  
• Incorporate reminders into controlled substance agreements.
  
• Use teach-back methods—ask patients to explain storage and disposal steps in their own words.
  

Step 7: Address Special Populations

• Parents/Caregivers – Emphasize child safety locks and double-layer security.
  
• Elderly Patients – Provide simple, easy-to-use lockboxes.
  
• Chronic Pain Patients – Review safe storage more frequently due to higher medication volumes.
  

Step 8: Document the Education

• Note in the patient record that diversion prevention education was provided.
  
• Include any patient questions, concerns, or agreements signed.
  
• This protects you in case of regulatory review.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• One-Time Education – Patients need reminders, not just an initial lecture.
  
• Assuming Understanding – Always verify comprehension.
  
• Overlooking Disposal – Unused medication is a major diversion source.
  
• Neglecting Written Materials – Patients forget verbal instructions quickly.
  

Benefits of Patient Education for Diversion Prevention

• Reduces the risk of medication misuse in the community.
  
• Builds trust and shared responsibility between provider and patient.
  
• Demonstrates proactive compliance to regulators.
  
• Supports overall patient safety.
  

Final Thoughts: Education Is Prevention

Patient education is not a box to check—it’s an ongoing conversation.

By making safe use, storage, and disposal part of routine care, you turn your patients into active partners in diversion prevention.

The more patients understand, the less likely those medications are to end up in the wrong hands.

About the Author

Douglas J. Jorgensen, DO, CPC, FAAO, FACOFP

Dr. Doug is a physician, consultant, and national educator on healthcare compliance, controlled substance management, and diversion prevention. He works with providers nationwide to integrate patient education into their compliance programs.