Drug Diversion: The Problem

Drug diversion is considered to be among the top concerns of hospital administrators nationwide. With serious implications regarding patient outcome, staff well-being, and inventory control; a case of drug diversion has the potential to seriously affect the reputation and effectiveness of a medical facility. Fortunately, the advent of Automated Dispensing Systems has created a world of new possibilities in the fight against drug diversion.

Hospital automation has proven to discourage certain types of drug diversion by improving the overall security of narcotics. However, according to drug diversion specialist Donald E. Bogardus, MPA, CHPA, CPP, “Narcotics theft continues to be a growing problem in the health care industry.”

Why is this the case? Simply put, diverters have become more creative in the ways they steal and ingest addictive medication.

However, thanks to the data generated by automated dispensing transactions, the creativity of diverters can now be uncovered within their computerized audit trails. Every med-transaction made by a diverter adds another piece to a complex puzzle. Pandora is the key to quickly assembling this puzzle, effectively detecting drug diversion so that it can be stopped early on. In addition to detection, Pandora will support a drug diversion investigation by providing concrete documentation in a matter of minutes.

A major goal of the Pandora Data System Corporation is to provide the best tool available to detect, document and ultimately deter cases of drug diversion. We realize that this issue jeopardizes the lives of everyone involved. Proactively stopping a case of drug diversion protects the safety of hospital patients, and it very well could save the life and career of a healthcare staff member who desperately needs rehabilitation. Pandora unlocks automation’s potential to dramatically curb the impact of drug diversion in today’s healthcare environment.