The Impact of the Prescription Opioid Crisis on Hospitals: Strategies and Partnerships Influencing Procurement Processes

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Hospitals are implementing stricter controls and monitoring measures to prevent the misuse and diversion of prescription opioids.
  • They are diversifying their pain management strategies to reduce reliance on opioids and mitigate the risk of addiction.
  • Hospitals are partnering with suppliers and technology providers to enhance transparency and traceability in the procurement of opioids and related supplies.

The Impact of the Prescription Opioid Crisis on Hospitals

The prescription opioid crisis has had a profound impact on hospitals in the United States. As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, hospitals are facing a dual challenge - ensuring access to effective pain management for patients while safeguarding against the misuse and diversion of prescription opioids.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overdose death rate involving prescription opioids has more than quadrupled since 1999, with an estimated 11.4 million Americans misusing prescription opioids in 2018. This crisis has forced hospitals to reevaluate their supply and equipment procurement processes to prevent the abuse of opioids within their facilities.

Stricter Controls and Monitoring Measures

One of the key ways hospitals are adapting their supply and equipment procurement processes in response to the prescription opioid crisis is by implementing stricter controls and monitoring measures. This includes:

  1. Enhanced inventory management systems that track the distribution and usage of opioids throughout the hospital.
  2. Implementation of secure storage protocols to prevent unauthorized access to opioids.
  3. Regular auditing and reconciliation of opioid inventory to identify Discrepancies and potential diversions.

By enforcing these measures, hospitals can reduce the risk of opioids falling into the wrong hands and mitigate the potential for diversion and abuse.

Diversification of Pain Management Strategies

Another strategy hospitals are adopting to address the challenges of the prescription opioid crisis is diversifying their pain management strategies. This involves:

  1. Introducing alternative pain management therapies such as non-opioid medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  2. Utilizing multidisciplinary teams to assess and treat patients with chronic pain, incorporating a holistic approach to pain management.
  3. Providing education and training to Healthcare Providers on the proper use of opioids and the risks associated with their misuse.

By reducing reliance on opioids and offering a range of pain management options, hospitals can better protect patients from the risks of addiction and overdose associated with prescription opioids.

Partnerships with Suppliers and Technology Providers

Collaboration with suppliers and technology providers is another avenue hospitals are exploring to enhance their supply and equipment procurement processes in response to the prescription opioid crisis. This includes:

  1. Partnering with accredited suppliers who adhere to strict Regulations and guidelines for the distribution of opioids and related supplies.
  2. Implementing blockchain technology to create a secure and transparent Supply Chain for opioids, enabling hospitals to track the movement of these medications from the manufacturer to the patient.
  3. Utilizing data analytics and machine learning to identify patterns of opioid use and potential risks of diversion within the hospital.

By leveraging these partnerships and technologies, hospitals can improve transparency and traceability in the procurement of opioids and enhance their ability to detect and prevent misuse and diversion.

Conclusion

As hospitals continue to grapple with the challenges posed by the prescription opioid crisis in the United States, it is essential that they adapt their supply and equipment procurement processes to safeguard against the misuse and diversion of opioids. By implementing stricter controls, diversifying pain management strategies, and partnering with suppliers and technology providers, hospitals can better protect patients and staff from the risks associated with prescription opioids and ensure the safe and effective delivery of care.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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