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Medication Management Deficiencies Commonly Cited in 2020
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Medication Management Deficiencies Commonly Cited in 2020

Medication management deficiencies were among the most often cited elements during 2020 surveys. Do you have systems in place to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance? How do you store medications? Do you know what to do with high-alert and look-like-sound-alike medications? How about hazardous medications? Who in your facility is responsible for keeping up with all the clinical and regulatory changes? In this post we discuss some of the areas to focus on and questions you will need to answer during your next certification or accreditation survey.

June is National Safety Month
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June is National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month and at OctariusRx we recognize and support the National Safety Council’s efforts to build and advocate for a culture of safety. When it comes to safety, too much is never enough. Our team of consultant pharmacists works tirelessly to ensure our clients and patients are always as safe as possible. From our relentless focus on safe medication management, to guidance on workplace safety, we strive daily to develop and support a culture that leads to safety, regulatory compliance, and survey success. Have you assessed your risks? Do you have a plan in place to mitigate those risks? Let’s look at some of the most common risks and how we can help.

Which Bowel Prep is Best to Use Prior to Colonoscopy
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Which Bowel Prep is Best to Use Prior to Colonoscopy?

Which bowel prep is best to use prior to colonoscopy? This is a fairly common question from our endoscopy centers and as usual there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What are the available options? How do you decide which patient gets what prep? How are drug shortages affecting the decision process? In this post we will discuss the available options and how to pick the right bowel prep for patients undergoing a colonoscopy.

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?

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.