Confronting the Hidden Costs of Medication Waste in Hospital Settings

Our guests: "Les Louden, PharmD, MS, Pharmacy Manager St. Joseph's Hospital BayCare Health System, and John B. Hertig, PharmD, MS, CPPS, FASHP, FFIP Founder, Hertig Healthcare Advising, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Purdue University.In this episode, I welcome back Dr. John Hertig along with first-time guest Les Louden from BayCare Health System to discuss their groundbreaking research on controlled substance waste in hospital procedural areas.Their recent study, ""Assessing the Costs of Intravenous Push Waste in Intraoperative Areas Through Observation,"" reveals striking findings about both the financial and operational impact of medication waste. We explore how commonly used medications like fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine, midazolam, and ketamine are routinely wasted in significant quantities.John and Les discuss how their multi-site study quantified not just product waste but also the substantial ""workforce time waste"" associated with medication disposal processes. With an estimated $56,557 worth of medication and staff time wasted annually at just the hospitals studied, our conversation examines the practical implications for healthcare systems nationwide.We also delve into potential solutions, including automated workflows that significantly reduce documentation time, manufacturer considerations for right-sized medication packaging, and the patient safety implications when clinical staff are pulled away from care to witness waste disposal.Whether you're a healthcare administrator, pharmacy professional, or clinician, this evidence-based discussion offers valuable insights into an often overlooked aspect of healthcare efficiency and resource management.Thanks to our sponsor, MIDAS Healthcare SolutionsLearn more about V.I.E.W. Waste and Return System: https://midashs.com/products/For more information on Drug Diversion mitigation and resources, visit: https://www.rxpert.solutions/