Implementation of a unit dose distribution system for respiratory therapy medications.
The development and implementation of a comprehensive unit dose distribution system for respiratory medications is described. Initially, an evaluation of carts and unit dose packaging materials for respiratory medications was conducted. Subsequent to the selection, a unit dose processing and packaging program was developed in accordance with the Respiratory Therapy Medical Director's Standard Treatment Orders. A 24-hour exchange system, separate but paralleling the already operational unit dose system, was implemented. The primary advantages attributed to the implementation of this system were 1) a decrease in potential respiratory medication order interpretation/transcription errors; 2) a decrease in the waste of medication solutions; 3) a decrease in potential preparation errors by the respiratory therapists; 4) standardization and accuracy of respiratory medication dosages; and 5) a more equitable method of charging patients.
D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006739:Hospital Administration; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006750:Hospital Distribution Systems; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012139:Respiratory Therapy Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy