This week, we’re celebrating National Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 8-14, 2020). According to the Institute for Health Improvement (IHI), National Patient Safety Week is an annual recognition event meant to encourage everyone to learn more about health care safety.
According to the ECRI Institute*, diagnostic testing and medication events are the two greatest risks to patient safety in ambulatory care centers today. As the landscape continues to change and healthcare delivery shifts from hospitals to ambulatory facilities, we will have to develop, and enhance, systems that minimize risks and keep our patients safe. Using the services of a consultant pharmacist can help you enhance patient safety in your ambulatory healthcare facility. The following are five ways in which a consultant pharmacist can help:
Drug shortages are still coming up quite frequently in facilities. Is your policy and procedure describing what to do when you have a drug shortage up to date? Do you follow the steps noted in your policy? Is your consultant pharmacist helping by providing you with updated regulatory guidance?
As we approach 2020, we take a few moments to look back at some of the biggest stories of the current year. Each year is extremely busy, and 2019 was no exception. Below we discuss some of the most popular topics of the year. How did we determine popularity? Simple…we decided to focus on the topics that generated the most questions.
For our clients in Rhode Island, the rules/regulations for prescribing controlled substances are about to change. Are you prepared to be compliant?
Although the debate about whether to use intracameral antibiotics marches on, what is not in question is our collective desire to give patients the best and safest possible outcome. For the facilities contemplating intracameral antibiotics, which drug should you use? What is the best way to prepare it or obtain it? These are all valid questions you should ask.
Use the expertise of your consultant pharmacist to help navigate these difficult, but extremely important decisions. Making the right choice will increase patient safety and reduce risks. The wrong decision could be devastating.
Drug shortages seem to be happening with more frequency, making it difficult for patients, prescribers and facilities. The reasons for shortages range from simple delays to manufacturing issues that can lead to complete discontinuation of some medications. Is your facility taking the necessary steps to avoid disruptions in patient care?
