Justification and Implementation of an Operating Room Pharmacy Satellite

Abstract

Many pharmacy departments today are expanding the services they provide to the operating room (OR) through establishment of operating room pharmacy satellites (ORPSs). This article discusses two key steps in this process: justification and implementation of the satellite. The ability to justify an ORPS is key to its establishment. If justification is not successful, the process ends. The justification process consists of four major steps: (1) familiarization with the ORPS concept, (2) performance of an initial assessment of the OR complex, (3) obtaining support for the ORPS from all key departments affected by its establishment, and (4) development of a formal proposal for the ORPS, including a financial analysis. Justification can be greatly facilitated by obtaining support for the satellite from the anesthesiology and nursing departments and by the ability to demonstrate a favorable financial analysis for the ORPS. Implementation should begin once administrative approval for the satellite has been received. For optimal results, all required steps should be outlined in a clear, concise manner. Development of a timeline listing these steps and the approximate time required for each one is an excellent way to ensure the implementation process remains on schedule. Finally, the process of establishing an ORPS does not end with successful justification and implementation of the facility. Pharmacy services must be routinely monitored and evaluated.