As a MICU pharmacist taking care of COVID patients, one strategy I’ve implemented to minimize the number of times a nurse needs to enter the room (thus saving PPE) is to consolidate and bundle all medication due times. For example... 1/5
Most patients often receive medications no more than QID or every 6 hours (now this isn’t everyone but a lot of patients). So I’ve scheduled all medications to be given on one or more of the following: 0000, 0600, 1200, or 1800... 2/5
This will limit the need to enter the room for off time medications or to give that miralax dose that is due at 0900 etc. This will not apply to all patients but can be a starter. If the most frequently administered drug is given every 8 hours..... 3/5
Then cluster around those due times. If a patient is getting a medication every 4 hours. First ask if it is necessary or if it can be adjusted to less frequent administrations. If not then cluster around those times.... 4/5
Hoping to spread the love so other institutions can implement or modify to meet the needs of their staff and conserve PPE! We’re all in this together #COVID19 #FlattenTheCurve #conservePPE 5/5
