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Department
Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Abstract
Healthcare facilities within the United States continue to seek ways to provide the safest care at the lowest cost. However, anesthesia-related medication errors remain the most common-anesthesia-related event, with 85% deemed preventable. These errors reduce margins of safety and care quality while increasing costs for both the hospital and the patient. In an effort to protect both the budget and the patient, pharmacy-prepared ready-to-administer (RTA) syringes have slowly started to occupy the space of traditional medication vials of commonly used medications in our pediatric anesthesia pyxis’. This study aims to show if the use of RTA dexmedetomidine syringes increases its availability while remaining cost-effective. Evaluation of current dexmedetomidine usage was determined through a manual chart review of a 30-day calendar period. A comparative cost analysis and survey of pediatric anesthesia providers further helped to evaluate provider satisfaction, as well as other comparable metrics. Evaluation and analysis of data determined that RTA dexmedetomidine syringes are more cost-effective, with increased ease of use, perceived high level of safety, and decreased waste. The implications of these findings support robust financial and safety advantages while harmonizing with current evidenced-based recommendations to promote safer medication administration processes and purposeful advancement in anesthesia practices and care.
Keywords
Dexmedetomidine, ready-to-administer syringes, pre-filled syringes, perioperative medication events, health care waste, pediatric anesthesia
Advisor
Dr. Jenny Manry
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
DNP Project
Recommended Citation
Henry, Alison C., "A Cost Minimization Analysis of Ready-To-Administer Dexmedetomidine Syringes in the Pediatric OR" (2025). Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice. 3286.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/3286
Rights
© The Author
