Abstract
Purpose
A system-wide approach to reduce inappropriate use of meperidine in a 651-bed teaching hospital is described.
Summary
Baseline review indicated significant inappropriate usage of meperidine at our institution. Results of the review were presented to multidisciplinary committees in the institution. In addition to educational interventions, several strategies to effectively reduce meperidine usage were considered, including pharmacist follow-up of every order with the prescriber. However, to avoid delays in the treatment of pain and to prevent unnecessary exposure to a problem-prone agent, a guideline-based automatic conversion by the pharmacist was adopted.
Conclusion
A pharmacist-led multidisciplinary effort resulted in a significant reduction in meperidine use at our institution. A multifaceted approach that includes educational interventions as well as automatic therapeutic interchanges is an efficient way to optimize medication use.
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