The drug diversion epidemic – part 1: redirection of controlled substances

Patrick Yoder, PharmD,  co-founder and CEO of Logic Stream explains how automated software tools are playing an important role in drug diversion prevention and detection. 

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on LogicStream's website

Approximately 10% of all healthcare workers will steal opioids and other substances from patients and hospitals at some time during their career, according to a national database that tracks drug diversion. This problem occurs across health systems of all sizes, all around the country. Fueled by the escalating crisis of opioid abuse, drug diversion has become a significant risk for healthcare organizations. The good news is automated software tools are playing an important role in prevention and detection. More on that later in this series. First, let’s look at the impacts, motivation and opportunities for diversion within the healthcare system.

Impact

Sometimes referred to as healthcare’s hidden epidemic, drug diversion is a multi-faceted problem that poses serious risks to patient safety. Drug diversion has led to infection outbreaks, caused patient suffering and resulted in deaths. For many health systems, failure to put effective controls in place has resulted in significant financial penalties, patient harm, and ultimately reputational damage. Continue Reading>> 

 

 

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