Opioid use has decreased, but overdoses have increased: How is that possible? Over the last decade, prescriptions for opioids have gone down significantly. Despite this, the number of drug related overdoses has increased. How can we have fewer prescriptions, fewer opioids and yet more people dying from overdoses? How does this impact our patients and prescribers?
A new drug shortage for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) is something we hear about all too frequently. Today we discuss the shortage of fat emulsion, a necessary reversal agent and the impact it can have both on patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Going back to school for patient safety is something we should routinely do. It should come as no surprise that the biggest threats to patient safety are also the items we take for granted. As the kids head back to school to take on new challenges, we should challenge ourselves to renew our focus on enhancing patient safety.
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?
Who is the best consultant pharmacist? Have you ever asked yourself if you’re working with the best consultant pharmacist? How would you know? Is there a way to make that determination or find out? The answer is yes! This week I will discuss seven ways to decide if your pharmacy consultant is the best one for your organization.
New year’s resolutions are always a good way to kick off the year. The new year is upon us and as usual, we have a clean slate to work with. What will you do with it? Here are my suggestions for top 5 work-related resolutions for 2021.
COVID 19 is impacting the drug supply chain and leading to dangerous shortages. By now, if you haven’t been impacted by drug shortages, you have at least heard about them. As the pandemic continues, the drugs impacted have changed and the shortages have become more critical. Do you use midazolam, fentanyl, propofol or antibiotics? You will need to have a plan in place to avoid negatively impacting patient care.
With new COVID-19 outbreaks occurring across the country and the world, the concern for drug shortages is heightened. What drugs are impacted and how do they affect your organization? Do you have a contingency plan in place to deal with unexpected shortages? Work with your consultant pharmacist to resolve these issues quickly and efficiently so that patient safety and your day-to-day operations are not impacted.
Safe injection practices are one of the most commonly cited deficiencies by certification and accreditation agencies. But there is good news, your consultant pharmacist can help you avoid deficiencies! Here are the ten commonly cited issues and my recommendations for survey success.
Implementing, and adhering to, good infection control practices is critical to minimizing the impact of infectious diseases, including, but not limited to COVID-19. As a consultant pharmacist, I see additional opportunities for infection control practices that may not be as obvious as handwashing or PPE.
