O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 7
T
ake a
hard look
at how
medica-
tions are
managed in your facili-
ty. Is there a standard-
ized way to ensure the
correct drugs and the
right doses are given?
Are you properly label-
ing every syringe? Are
you confident that con-
trolled substances
aren't being diverted? If
you hesitated when
considering your
responses, read on to
learn how smart storage solutions, prefilled syringes and barcode tech-
nology have the potential to keep drugs secure and your patients safe.
Accurate administration
Anesthesia providers who prepare and label syringes for a case are
often the ones who administer the medications during surgery, meaning
often there are no protocols or policies in place for an independent
doublecheck to ensure the correct medication or dose is prepared and
given. Errors are also caused by incomplete or non-standardized
Christina Michalek, BSc, PharmD, RPh, FASHP | Horsham, Pa.
Advances in Medication Management
Technology can increase drug security and safety.
• LOCK AND KEY Limit the number of staff members who can access stored med-
ications and allow access based on legitimate need.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
