Controlled substances system change provides increased accountability.
The distribution and control systems for controlled substances were evaluated. A mail survey of other hospitals was conducted to obtain samples of control substance systems and the associated procedures. From these samples of existing programs and previous experiences with the current program, a system was designed to meet the needs of an 800-bed hospital with a decentralized pharmacy distribution system. The new distribution and control system completely replaced the prior system. Therefore, new forms and procedures were generated. The total system was implemented in a stepwise procedure in two-week increments over approximately 14 weeks until the entire hospital was converted. The new system has increased control as well as identified workload, inventory utilization, and problem areas.
D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000379:methods*; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006753:Hospital Records; D008396:Maryland; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009817:Office Management / Q000379:methods*; D011996:Records; D013997:Time Factors