Confronting the Hidden Costs of Medication Waste in Hospital Settings

Confronting the Hidden Costs of Medication Waste in Hospital Settings

In this episode of 'Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals', we dive into the pressing issue of medication waste in hospital settings. Terri Vidals, a seasoned pharmacist with over three decades of experience, brings together two distinguished guests: Dr. John Hertig and Les Louden. Both guests share their groundbreaking research on the hidden costs associated with controlled substance waste in procedural areas of hospitals.

Their study, 'Assessing the Costs of Intravenous Push Waste in Intraoperative Areas Through Observation', uncovers the significant financial and operational impacts of this often-overlooked issue. The discussion reveals how common medications like fentanyl are frequently wasted and the broader implications for hospital budgets and patient care. The episode also highlights the innovative use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and prevent drug diversion, offering practical solutions for healthcare professionals.

If you're in the healthcare industry and looking to reduce substance abuse and medication waste, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that could help transform your approach to medication management.