Perioperative Pharmacology: A Framework for Perioperative Medication Safety

Abstract

Learning pharmacology is a critical element of any health care practitioner's education to ensure quality and safety in perioperative care. The medication-use process and safe medication use are two important principles that contribute to the safe use of pharmacological agents in perioperative clinical practice. The medication-use process consists of procuring, prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring; however, variations in the medication-use process result from demands unique to the perioperative environment, and these variations can sometimes bypass the safety nets within the system. Understanding these variances will help perioperative practitioners recognize threats to patient safety and help ensure the patient's well-being. Responsibilities of a safe medication-use system include assuring the public that practitioners use medications efficiently, safely, and effectively, and fully document all medications administered.

Challenges of medication administration in the OR

“…2 The AORN Safe Medication Tool Kit (http://www.aorn.org/PracticeResources/ ToolKits/SafeMedicationAdministrationToolKit) is designed to help guide safe medication administration practices, and to promote the highest level of patient safety in the surgical setting. 2 The AORN Safe Medication Tool Kit (http://www.aorn.org/PracticeResources/ ToolKits/SafeMedicationAdministrationToolKit) is designed to help guide safe medication administration practices, and to promote the highest level of patient safety in the surgical setting.…”

“…2 In the surgical setting, team members must carefully follow all protocols and remain aware of the unique challenges and potential dangers those challenges present. 2 In the surgical setting, team members must carefully follow all protocols and remain aware of the unique challenges and potential dangers those challenges present.…”

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T The "five rights" of medication administration have been ingrained into most nurses' minds. 2 In January 2011, nursing researchers shared the results of a study that examined the unique demands of the OR and how these demands affect the challenges of safe medication administration. We also confirm that we're giving the right dose of the medication.

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“…We confirm that we're giving the right medication to the right patient. 2 In order to do a comparison, the researchers needed to establish which elements are involved when administering medication in a healthcare setting. Finally, we verify that the medication is being given at the right time and via the right route.…”

“…2 In January 2011, nursing researchers shared the results of a study that examined the unique demands of the OR and how these demands affect the challenges of safe medication administration. 2 In January 2011, nursing researchers shared the results of a study that examined the unique demands of the OR and how these demands affect the challenges of safe medication administration.…”