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.
Tag: Maine Consultant Pharmacist
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
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
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?
What Herbal and Vitamin Supplements Increase the Risk of Bleeding?
What Herbal, and vitamin supplements increase the risk of bleeding? Believe it or not, the list is longer than you’d expect and the risk is real. Herbal supplements can impact surgery in various ways, from additive sedation to increased bleeding risk. It’s important that the entire team be aware ahead of time, but patients don’t usually disclose herbal supplements because they may not consider them to be medications. So how are you screening your patients and mitigating this risk?
Should you wait to get vaccinated against COVID19?
Should you wait to get vaccinated against COVID19? When is the best time to get vaccinated? Will the newer vaccines be safer and more effective? These are just some of the questions I have recently been asked. In this post I will address these as well as some other frequently asked questions about the COVID19 vaccines.
Are you using preoperative antibiotics correctly?
Are you using preoperative antibiotics correctly? Appropriately administered prophylactic antibiotic reduces the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). SSIs are the most common and costliest health care-associated infections. SSIs have an enormous impact on patients' quality of life and contribute substantially to the financial cost of patient care. How do you manage perioperative antibiotic administration? Do you have a guide to help you properly mix, dilute, and correctly time your antibiotic administration?
February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month and the OctariusRx team is supporting organizations and efforts to spread the word to educate the community.
Celebrate National CRNA Week!
Celebrate National CRNA Week with the OctariusRx team! Join us from January 24th to the 30th to celebrate our colleagues and friends who are Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
How do you store the COVID-19 vaccine?
How do you store the COVID-19 vaccine? Now that the COVID-19 vaccines are available, facilities are starting to vaccinate. Part of any vaccination process requires planning for handling and storage. Do you have a policy for vaccine storage? The COVID-19 vaccines have specific requirements, does your policy specifically address COVID-19?