Comparing Diversion Monitoring Software Options

Below are some clips of the publication by Tenet Healthcare Corporation doing a product comparison of drug diversion monitoring solutions called Comparing Diversion Monitoring Software Options. Download the publication below for the full article.

Given health system professionals’ often easy access to controlled substances, it is not surprising that approximately 15% of healthcare staff struggle with drug dependence at some point in their career according to a 2010 study by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. With many pharmacies using a decentralized drug distribution method driven by automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) to increase turnaround time and provide secure storage for medications, hospitals can be lulled into a false sense of security regarding employees’ ability to divert medications. The use of ADC technology, while helpful, is insufficient by itself to prevent diversion; thus the challenge remains for pharmacy to develop systems around ADC technology that will ensure drug control, identify potential drug diversion, optimize workflow, and allow for effective inventory management.

Product Comparison: Pandora vs. RxAuditor

We conducted an evaluation of the available software from two vendors: Pandora Analytics form Omnicell, which was already being used at some facilities within the system, and RxAuditor from Medacist, which was selected based on a search of the literature.

Pandora Analytics is a pharmacy-specific analytical tool that searches for patterns of medication diversion in Pyxis, Omnicell, and AcuDose-Rx ADC systems. ADC usage data is imported daily into the Pandora system, which allows for on-demand access of information, as well as automatic email distribution and alerts. Product licenses are based on cabinet count. Based on SQL database, Pandora’s software is installed on hardware purchased for each individual facility.

RxAuditor is a web-based diversion detection and economic reporting product. The local hospital facility uploads data to the Medacist server and a series of reports are then available within hours for download by facility personnel from the customer website. RxAuditor users an Oracle database and requires no hardware investment to use the product. See Table 1 for a comparison of product features.