Improved emergency room medication distribution

A system developed to improve drug distributions, safety and control in the emergency room of a 400-bed hospital is described. The system centers around the use of a special cabinet containing medication bins which store selected and limited quantities of medications packaged in single-unit containers. A dditionally, intravenous solutions, irrigating solutions, eye tray medications, medications for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and refrigated drugs are kept in areas of ready access. Punched cards containing information on the drug are stored with the medication and are used for billing and reordering purposes. A 24-hour supply of medications that may be dispensed after the pharmacy closes are packaged in prelabeled, zipper-locked plastic bags. The system results in improved safety as well as long-term cost savings.