Initially, I honestly I had no idea what my change proposal would be. I knew diversion as a terrible thing, and in desperate need of being addressed; I needed some initial research to start formulating a plan though.
As this course has progressed I have learned that one of the major issues with diversion is the gross lack of awareness. There is also a huge educational need, and a need for monitoring, and culture change.
At this point, my change proposal is to develop new policies and procedures in the hospital setting. Policies will include new waste receptacles that deactivate the medication (they exist!), and zero tolerance policies.
The educational need is to create awareness among nurses regarding the rates of diversion, as well as the warning signs to look out for. One of the disturbing signs is when a nurse offers to administer medications to your patient.
Most nurses are honest, and little things like that could be helpful, but if it is a diverting nurse, it puts you and your patient at risk. The new policies will pave the way for changing the culture.
The lack of awareness is really the biggest thing that led to my current perspective. Nurses, and leadership, simply do not understand how big the problem is.
Interestingly, another thing that added to my direction is the research for this week's first discussion post. The article I utilized for it is a new one to me; it not only supported my first post, and my proposal for policies of education and awareness, it provided another idea: surveillance.
Umhoefer&Finnefrock (2016) suggest installing surveillance cameras in high-risk areas. My facility does not have cameras in the med rooms. I plan on adding surveillance cameras to the "new equipment" portion of my change proposal, as well as policies regarding their use.
Umhoefer, S., & M. Finnefrock (2016). 6 steps for hospitals to take to prevent prescription drug abuse, diversion. The ready availability of opioids for patient care involves risks and responsibilities for health systems. Hospitals and Health Networks.