Almost 90 percent of surgery center respondents are experiencing a drug shortage at least weekly, according to an ASC Association drug shortage survey.
In addition, more than 80 percent of respondents were never given advanced notice of the drug shortage. The survey found that half of respondents had to use an alternative level of sedation and/or alternative medications because of a drug shortage, which many respondents said led to an increase in patient nausea and vomiting.
Over 10 percent of responding facilities had to reschedule a procedure due to a drug shortage.
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In addition, more than 80 percent of respondents were never given advanced notice of the drug shortage. The survey found that half of respondents had to use an alternative level of sedation and/or alternative medications because of a drug shortage, which many respondents said led to an increase in patient nausea and vomiting.
Over 10 percent of responding facilities had to reschedule a procedure due to a drug shortage.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Tennessee Anesthesiologist Dies in Florida Fishing Accident
Dr. Vijay Sudheendra Named Chief of Anesthesia at Saint Anne's Hospital
Physician Editorial: ABA Should Lower Costs of Recertification Process
http://www.ascassociation.org/ASCA/GovtAdvocacy/GovernmentAffairsUpdate/May2012/GovernmentAffairsUpdateMay32012/