How Controlled Substance Waste Impacts Pharmacy TeamsHow Controlled Substance Waste Impacts Pharmacy Teams
Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals
Terri Vidals discusses a study on controlled substance waste with John Hertig and Les Louden, exploring its impact on pharmacy teams and operational efficiency.
28:54•26 Nov 2025
The Hidden Costs of Controlled Substance Waste
Episode Overview
- Controlled substance waste impacts both budgets and pharmacy team workflows.
- The study quantifies pharmacy workforce costs associated with IV push controlled substance waste.
- Manual and software-assisted checks validate medication disposal processes.
- Logistical challenges in maintaining waste receptacles add significant costs.
- Optimising product selection can reduce waste and improve efficiency.
“"Not only was this a good study in terms of how much time you're spending because you're not maximising your smallest doses or your orders, but it's also a nice study to show how much time is devoted to diversion monitoring."”
How do pharmacy teams deal with the burden of controlled substance waste? Terri Vidals hosts an enlightening discussion with John Hertig and Les Louden, who delve into the findings of their latest study on this very topic. You'll hear about the significant financial and workforce impacts of wasting medications like fentanyl and morphine, and how these costs extend far beyond just the price tag.
The episode highlights the labour-intensive process of diversion monitoring and the importance of matching products to practice to reduce waste. With over 4,000 transactions reviewed, the study reveals how manual and software-assisted checks can validate medication disposal, offering insights into the time-consuming nature of these processes. The trio also discuss the logistical challenges of maintaining waste receptacles across multiple hospital units, revealing how even small inefficiencies can add up to substantial costs.
If you're curious about how health systems can optimise their workflows to better manage controlled substance waste, this episode is a must-listen. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about improving patient care and operational efficiency. Are you ready to rethink how waste impacts your pharmacy team?
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