Q&A: ISMP President Discusses Medication Safety
In this interview, Michael R. Cohen, RPH, MS, ScD (hon.), DPS (hon.), FASHP, founder and president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, discusses the current state of medication safety.
New Sentinel Event Alert Highlights Risks of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
According to the Joint Commission alert, direct oral anticoagulants provide ease of use for patients, but they can lead to bleeding risks that could be serious and potentially life-threatening.
How Can We Better Protect Hospital Workers From Hazardous Drugs?
NIOSH recognizes that hazardous drugs are of major concern, estimating that about 8 million U.S. healthcare workers are potentially exposed to them. This figure includes pharmacy and nursing personnel, physicians, operating room personnel, environmental services workers, and shipping and receiving personnel.
Companies Work to Help Combat IV Infiltrations
Peripheral veins are the most common IV therapy line access method in both hospitals and paramedic services, as they’re generally the least invasive way to get fluids in and out of the body during therapy. By some accounts, more than 25 million patients in the United States get a PVC each year.
CDC Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Clarified
The clarification says that physicians are encouraged to use their best judgment when prescribing opioids. In addition, the guideline is not meant to deny appropriate opioid therapy to anyone suffering from conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease.
Safety Enhancements Every Hospital Must Consider in Wake of Another Tragic Neuromuscular Blocker Event
This type of error could happen anywhere given current system vulnerabilities frequently found in hospitals, particularly when using automated dispensing cabinets. In fact, ISMP has observed many of the same system vulnerabilities in other hospitals, and they are frequently at the root of a variety of medication errors reported to the ISMP National Medication Errors Reporting Program.
Many Patients Using Anticoagulants Are Taking Aspirin the Same Day
The study, published last month in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 37.5% of the 6,539 patients reviewed were receiving the anticoagulant warfarin and aspirin without a clear indication, and that these patients were at a significant increase in adverse outcomes.
Q&A: Legal Marijuana Use in Hospitals
At the moment, the laws on this topic are very dependent on where your facility is located, and you should take the time to look up your state laws. This Q&A is meant to clear up some of the broader questions around medical cannabis in healthcare—for patients as well as healthcare employees.
Mix-Ups Between Epidural Analgesia and IV Antibiotics in L&D Units Continue to Cause Harm
These mix-ups mimic previously published events and have similar contributing factors, including look-alike infusion bags, overlooked warning labels, and a point-of-care barcode medication administration system that was not fully engaged. However, unlike the prior events, drug shortages also played a role in the most recent errors.
Incoming EPA rule will change the game on hazardous waste pharmaceuticals
Under the changes first proposed in September 2015, EPA is creating a new subpart P under RCRA that manages hazardous waste pharmaceuticals across a wide array of industries, including hospitals, physician offices, ambulatory care, and other providers who “distribute, sell, or dispense pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, homeopathic drugs, or prescription pharmaceuticals,” according to the EPA.