Substance abuse is an occupational hazard for health care workers in the operating room setting. Anesthesiologists have a higher rate of substance abuse than their physician counterparts. Anesthesia residents have the highest incidence of substance abuse among anesthesia providers. By creating a disease model for substance abuse, pharmacists may be better able to understand, detect, and prevent substance abuse in the operating room area. The development of comprehensive methods for dispensing and monitoring controlled substance use in the operating room should include systems that limit exposure, provide accountability and consistency, and provide education for the medical staff.
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