We recently switched back to using mannitol bags in the ED as opposed to the vials.  One issue that has come up is that with the mannitol bags looking very similar to regular IV fluids, we have had some nurses continue the infusions after completed through the pump (example – bags are 100 g total, a patient receiving 80 g would have some remaining in the bag at the end of the infusion that is then continued by the RN as they mistook it for IVF).  We are working on continuous education with the nursing staff but were trying to brainstorm some other ideas to make it stand out a little better

Does anyone have a policy they would be willing to share concerning preparation, handling, and administration of hazardous medications such as finasteride, valproic acid, gancyclovir, etc.?

Hi all

I am currently in the process of writing up a thesis to answer the following research question:   to study the work of medication safety pharmacists in order to evaluate whether the potential economic benefits to hospitals would outweigh the costs of creating such a role. 

I appreciate the responses for the reporting structure. In addition, I wonder what resources you have devoted to medication safety/quality under that reporting structure. We struggle with ownership but now authority. Additionally, struggle with prioritization among the many other quality and financial projects that are ongoing. Can you describe how you resource projects and maintain accountability?

Thanks

Dear all:

In our hospital we are planning to conduct the ISMP self assessment this year, we were not able to conduct it earlier at 2011.

Do you have any idea if this could be possible now, and we can still submit the data to the ISMP, knowing that the last assessment module was released in 2011.

Appreciate your feedback

Thank you

Salma

I have been asked to develop a Medication Safety rotation for our new residency program.  I have been asked to design a 4 week rotation.  Does anyone have any experience in a Medication Safety rotation that is not longitudinal?  I am finding it difficult to design a 4 week rotation.  Would you be willing to share your rotations goals and activities?

Please contact me offline if you prefer at laura.herbrechtsmeier@wfhc.org.

Thanks!

Laura

Hello

Is anyone doing any work with the ISMP Best Practice #3, measuring and expressing patient weights in metric units only????

Thanks

How do you handle contrast dispensing? Does pharmacy dispense? Does radiology use bulk bottles? Do you apply the 28 day expiration date or 'immediate use' since ouside a hood?

Can anyone share where they are physically disponsing of their controlled substance waste - sink, trash can, sharps container, Cactus sink, other?

Thank you!

For the medication safety officers, whom do you report to in your organization?

Pharmacy Operations manager or director?

Pharmacy clinical manager or director?

Pharmacy Department director?

A Quality/Patient Safety dept outside of Pharmacy?

thank you!

susan