Category: Ambulatory Healthcare Facilities

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Opioid Misuse Remains a Priority
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Opioid Misuse Remains a Priority

Opioid misuse remains a priority and an area of focus for the OctariusRx team. A recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation ranked states by the number of people age 12 or older who reported opioid misuse. There are many variables that lead to inappropriate use. Do you know where your state ranks? Do you know what steps to take to minimize the risk? In this post we will discuss some steps you can take to make your patients safer and reduce your liability.

How much pain medication should you send your patients home with?
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How Much Pain Medication Should You Send Your Patients Home with?

How much pain medication should you send your patients home with? Do patients use opioids post operatively? The short answer is that most do not. Greater than sixty percent of patients do not completely use opioids prescribed for post-operative pain. How can physicians and facilities use this information to have a positive impact on the opioid crisis? How is your facility determining quantities prescribed? Are there alternatives to opioids? In this post we will discuss recent trends in the use of opioids as well as steps prescribers and facilities can take to reduce risks and liability.

More drug shortages
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More Drug Shortages

More drug shortages are expected and could impact ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Some of the most commonly used medications in ASCs, such as propofol and the local anesthetics, continue to show up on the most recent drug shortage lists. Does your facility have a plan in place to ensure an ongoing supply and minimize disruptions to patient care?

April 24, 2021 is DEA National Prescription Drug Takeback Day
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April 24, 2021 is DEA National Prescription Drug Takeback Day

April 24, 2021 is DEA National Prescription Drug Takeback Day and at OctariusRx we recognize and support the DEA’s efforts to provide education on the potential for abuse of medications. According to the DEA, in addition to education, Takeback Day is an opportunity to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.

CDC alerts healthcare providers on highly antibiotic resistant infections
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CDC alerts healthcare providers on highly antibiotic resistant infections

The CDC is alerting healthcare providers on highly antibiotic resistant infections with patients who underwent invasive procedures in Mexico. Are you screening your patients for recent international travel? What steps are you taking to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria? In this post we discuss the latest CDC update and steps you can take to protect your patients.

Is it Safe to Use a Compounding Pharmacy?
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Is it Safe to Use a Compounding Pharmacy?

Whether it’s the ongoing drug shortages or the need for a specialty product, the use of compounding pharmacies, specifically outsourcing facilities, is often convenient, if not a necessity. How safe is a compounding pharmacy/outsourcing facility? Is there a way to screen the good from the bad one? In this post we discuss the safety of compounded medications and what you can do to enhance patient safety and reduce your liability.

It’s Patient Safety Awareness Week
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It’s Patient Safety Awareness Week!

It’s patient safety awareness week and the OctariusRx team is helping to raise awareness. Patient safety is one of our core values and something we work relentlessly on year-round. This year, in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement we recognize the week of March 14-20, 2021 as a time to renew our focus and raise awareness of ways pharmacy consultants help make patients safer.

The Vaccines Facts Versus Fiction Quiz
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The Vaccines Facts Versus Fiction Quiz

The COVID vaccine facts versus fiction quiz is our attempt at clarifying some of the misinformation that is continuing to lead to vaccine hesitancy. Have you ever heard someone say they got the flu from the vaccine? How about not getting vaccinated against COVID19 because of fear of DNA alterations? In this post we will look at some of the ongoing misconceptions while also testing your knowledge.

March is Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month
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March is Malignant Hyperthermia Awareness and Training Month

March is malignant hyperthermia awareness and training month and at OctariusRx, we recognize and support the cause. Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare, inherited disorder that can affect patients who are receiving anesthesia for surgery or other procedures. Being prepared is paramount for patient safety. Is your facility ready? Do you have a plan in place? Do you conduct routine mock drills or provide staff education?