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ANESTHESIA ALERT
pull meds for cases, expediting workflow. Its electronic recordkeeping
can accurately track your inventory, making it easy to know when to
restock and re-order or even, through observing usage trends during
particular schedules of cases, the amount and type of medications to
preload in preparation.
In the event of a supply discrepancy, it's easy to find out the staff
member who accessed the system before the errant count. The close
watch such systems keep over distribution and their automatic recon-
ciliation can help keep your facility compliant with controlled sub-
stance regulations. Another plus: The technology can even sniff out
drug diversion. Reviewing the record, you'll be able to ask why Dr.
Smith needed 8mg of Dilaudid and 100mcg of fentanyl for Mrs. Jones's
D&C, and why nothing was returned and nothing disposed as waste
afterward.
Carts play a part
Ideally, every surgical facility would be equipped with an automated
system, but realistically their purchase and maintenance might exceed
your center's budget, not to mention your available space. This does-
n't mean, however, that you're limited to the locked storage closet of
old. Anesthesia carts have been making strides as a mobile alternative
to centralized dispensing technology, and are a practical solution if
automated systems are out of your range.
What was once essentially 3 to 5 drawers on wheels, not so different
from the Craftsman tool chest in your garage, only with lockable stor-
age, have become easily accessible and secure medication storerooms
stationed in each OR. They reduce the need to hurry to the drug clos-
et to prepare for each case, and because we can lock them and keep
the keys, we own them from the time we walk into the room until the
time we leave.