Automated software app reduces perioperative controlled substance discrepancies

Editor's Note

In this study, a software app that tracks perioperative controlled substance use and is integrated into the electronic health and pharmacy records and database systems was associated with a decrease in management errors.

This analysis includes data on missing controlled substance medications, controlled substance kits, and witness return signatures for 54,302 surgical cases requiring anesthesia services before implementation of the app, 57,670 cases during implementation, and 65,911 after implementation.

The number of missing controlled substance medication and kit return errors declined after implementation of the app. There was no difference in the number of missing witness return signatures.

A user survey found that providers believed the new app managed controlled substances better than the previous system.