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Unregulated self-medication in an ambulatory surgery population
R J Bagshaw1, L M Shaw, T August
1Department of Anesthesia, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Unregulated self-medication is a significant issue in ambulatory surgery. A study found 25% of patients tested positive for substances, highlighting safety concerns for surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Self-medication with nonprescription drugs is common.
- The prevalence of substance use in ambulatory surgery patients is not well-understood.
- Unrecognized drug use can impact patient safety and surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of drugs detected through unregulated self-medication in ambulatory surgery patients.
- To assess the significance of self-medication as a problem in this population.
- To raise awareness among healthcare professionals regarding potential substance abuse.
Main Methods:
- 67 consecutive patients scheduled for elective ambulatory surgery were invited to participate.
- Volunteers provided serum and urine samples for confidential drug testing.
- Initial testing included amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and alcohol.
Main Results:
- All 64 patients who consented denied nonprescription drug use.
- 16 patients (25%) tested positive for at least one substance.
- 4 patients showed evidence of 2 or 3 different substances.
Conclusions:
- A significant incidence of substance abuse exists within the ambulatory surgery environment.
- The 25% positive rate is a conservative estimate of unrecognized drug use.
- Increased awareness and vigilance regarding nonprescription drug use are crucial for patient safety in ambulatory surgery settings.
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