A new look at pharmacy services in the operating suite and recovery room

Drug control and charging traditionally have been delegated to overburdened physicians and nursing personnel in operating rooms, anesthesiology, and immediate postoperative patient care areas. Better drug control (e.g., charging, intravenous admixture preparation, and narcotic record keeping) in these areas is needed, and a 24-hour satellite pharmacy system is proposed. Revenue production and expense incurred were projected by analyzing drug usage. Responsive drug dispensing and control were evaluated by a 10-day pilot study during which the pharmacy provided the entire drug needs of the patient while in the operating suite. Economic analyses revealed significant "lost charges" by the automatic replacement system currently in use. Revenue was maintained while providing clearly labeled drugs in a ready-to-use form. Problems with drug inventory and narcotic control were lessened for the nursing and physician staffs during the pilot study. It was concluded that drug distribution and control via a decentralized pharmacy satellite located in the operating room area is a financially viable solution resulting in better patient care.