Infusion Confusion: Sorting Out the Risks of Ketamine Therapy

In this episode of Rapid Risk Review, host Brad Byrne and risk management professional Joanne Simmons discuss the complexities and risks associated with ketamine therapy. They explore the importance of understanding FDA approvals, provider qualifications, emergency preparedness, patient screening, and thorough documentation. The conversation emphasizes the need for a well-structured clinical team and the critical nature of evaluating patients before administering ketamine therapy, particularly for treatment-resistant conditions.TakeawaysKetamine therapy is growing in popularity but carries significant risks.Only esketamine is FDA approved for certain mental health conditions.Provider qualifications must match the complexity of ketamine therapy.Emergency preparedness is essential for safe ketamine administration.Patients should not have access to ketamine outside clinical settings.Thorough patient evaluation is crucial before treatment.Documentation of informed consent and treatment history is necessary.Supervision of multiple sites remotely is not acceptable.Ketamine therapy should be a last resort for treatment-resistant cases.Clear communication about risks and alternatives is vital.Keywordsketamine therapy, healthcare risks, FDA approval, provider qualifications, emergency preparedness, patient screening, treatment documentation, mental health, chronic pain, depression