Preventing Drug Diversion in Retail and Outpatient Pharmacies

While drug diversion within inpatient settings is a challenge that has been prioritized by hospitals and health systems across the US, diversion in retail and outpatient pharmacies is also a significant issue that can be just as harmful to both patients and hospitals. While retail settings have focused on curtailing overdoses through robust monitoring of prescribing trends and drug-seeking behaviors from patients, there has been less emphasis on monitoring staff drug diversion. In this conversation, we’ll have a collaborative dialogue about this pertinent issue with the goal of enhancing patient and employee safety, protecting the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chains, and ultimately contributing to the well-being of our communities.