Storage of refrigerated medications and vaccines throughout the hospital can prove to be extremely challenging. While ambient mediations are typically stored in automated dispensing cabinets, refrigerated medication tend to lack that same level of security and inventory control. For that reason, it is imperative to keep refrigerators storing vaccines and medications extremely well organized. Refrigerator organization helps you enhance patient care through safety and streamlined processes.
There are many guidelines and regulations which apply specifically to refrigerated medication. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides strict guidelines on the proper storage and temperature monitoring practices for vaccines. There are also specific regulations around securely storing controlled substances in the refrigerator. Neuromuscular blocking agents used for intubation also require specific storage and labeling. These guidelines and regulations need to be considered when thinking about your approach to refrigerated medication storage in the pharmacy, as well as on the units.
We recently hosted a webinar with Dr. Jessalynn (White) Henney, PharmD, who currently serves as the Medication Safety Director at Community Health Network (CHNw). Through multidisciplinary teams, Dr. Henney oversees the strategic management of medication safety, for both acute care and ambulatory care services, focusing on all steps of the medication use process. The webinar provided actionable insights on how to utilize LEAN concepts to drive refrigerated medication safety. Dr. Henney, PharmD, provided an array of real world examples, as well as detailed steps for how to implement a streamlined process for refrigerated medication safety in your own hospital.
To watch the recorded webinar or download the presentation slides, follow the link below.
