A drug distribution system to supply a detached ambulatory surgery center from the main hospital's central pharmacy

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and other outpatient service facilities are becoming more prevalent throughout the country. The development and implementation of a drug distribution system to supply a detached ambulatory surgery center is described. The method proposed to provide all the medication needed for the ASC uses a unit-dose cart with lockable doors. The cart is delivered to the ASC each morning by nonpharmacy hospital transportation personnel. A locked case method similar to the system described by McClure-Zola et al. is employed for schedule II controlled substances. Specific formularies were developed for the anesthesia and the operating/recovery rooms. Medications for both areas are arranged separately in the cart. The cart is returned to the pharmacy at the end of each ASC day to be replenished on the night shift by the pharmacy staff. Additional full-time equivalents are not required in the pharmacy budget to provide this service. The system described provides a simple method for efficiently and effectively meeting the medications needs of a free-standing satellite of the hospital.