2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U L Y 2 0 1 8
It's estimated that 10% of
healthcare workers will abuse
drugs, so it might be a question
of when, not if, someone diverts
drugs at your facility. Don't be
naïve to the risk and take these
steps now to keep controlled
substances secure and track
their usage and waste.
1. Before leaving medication
preparation areas, secure vials
containing leftover controlled
substances.
2. Don't draw more than a single dose of a controlled substance
into a syringe.
3. Remove controlled substances from secured storage areas
close to the time they are needed for a procedure. Avoid removing
a drug "just in case" it's needed.
4. Provide controlled substances in dose sizes that eliminate or
minimize waste.
5. Secure controlled substances in the operating room, proce-
dural areas and anesthesia work areas during and between sur-
gical cases.
6. Use sharps and pharmaceutical waste containers with small
openings so that medication devices or waste won't easily shake
out. Some pharmaceutical waste containers render opioids unre-
10 Ways to Keep
Medications Secure
DRUG DIVERSION
• SAFE STORAGE Automated dispensing cabinets limit
access to controlled substances and track usage of the
addictive agents.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
