The following is written by Sheldon S. Sones, RPh, FASCP, President, Sheldon S. Sones and Associates.
1. Assure that your recall process is working as evidenced by a trail that demonstrates communications from vendors/manufacturers in a prompt manner, and reveals action taken by the facility.
2. That allergies (drugs, food, and latex) are well documented as declared by patients, and, importantly, a brief documentation of the kind of reaction the patient claims is experienced.
3. If you use malignant hyperthermia triggers that the facility can demonstrate, mock codes utilizing dantrolene and other strategies for reversal.
4. If a patient presents on an insulin pump, that you have a policy and a physician order that addresses the procedures that the facility will follow.
5. Make sure that your biennial controlled drug inventory has been completed and is readily available.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
6. That you have a formulary of approved drugs for use in the facility, including code cart contents, which have been reviewed at the medical staff level at least annually.
7. That the anesthesia record is clear as to the drugs administered as well as tallied as to amount administered, explicit as to mg., mcg., ml., etc.
8. That you have a current "Look-Alike/Sound Alike" list of drugs (Here is a link to ISMP's "List of Confused Drug Names": www.ismp.org/Tools/confuseddrugnames.pdf).
9. That you have emergency preparedness and evacuation plans.
10. Assure that medications are discarded appropriately.
Learn more about Sheldon S. Sones and Associates and www.sheldonsones.com.
More Articles Featuring Sheldon Sones:
Proper Format for Drug Formulary
Surgery Center Guidance: Understanding Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
4 Important Questions on Surgery Center Pharmacy and Safe Medication Practices