Case Studies and Considerations for Combating the Diversion of Infusion Drugs. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Block, Frank E.; Azizi, Jahan; Markwell, Sherry
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical engineering. Volume 43:Issue 1(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1097/JCE.0000000000000249
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-8855

Abstract

Abstract : The opioid crisis in the United States has progressed to an epidemic. One avenue for obtaining controlled substances, although relatively uncommon, is diversion of infusion drugs from hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Considerable resources including device safeguards and frequent patient checks are being used in an attempt to combat this issue. In this article, we discuss how lockable infusion pumps may provide advantages to safeguarding these drugs but may also provide a false sense of security to the users. Postevent reporting of drug diversion events is important to notify others of the loss and may ultimately improve the safety or security of these devices.