What’s inside:
In the past, OR staff had to go to the pharmacy for the controlled drugs and narcotics used in surgery, but now the pharmacy has arrived in OR.
This blog looks at:
- The increasingly common desire for a decentralized pharmacy
- The location of automated dispensing cabinets
- The mistake many are making when it comes to narcotics cabinet placement
Automated narcotics cabinets for hospitals and ambulatory care centers are changing how to manage controlled substances are managed. These smart dispensing systems provide secure, decentralized access to narcotics and other medications at the point of care, while ensuring central oversight by the pharmacy.
It’s a setup that works well. But recently, we started questioning whether the push to place automated narcotics cabinets inside the operating room (OR) might have gone a step too far…
Over time, it’s somehow become the norm for narcotics cabinets to be installed in the very heart of the hospital — the OR itself.
And with space at such a premium, we have to ask: is that really necessary?
Warning: contentious opinion ahead!
Narcotics cabinets belong in the core area, not inside the OR or procedure rooms!
There. We’ve said it.
So, let’s look at why.
What Is an Automated Narcotics Cabinet?
An automated narcotics cabinet (or automated dispensing cabinet) securely stores and manages controlled drugs, ensuring accurate dispensing, real-time inventory tracking, and complete accountability of every transaction.
They are designed to make narcotics management easier, safer, and more efficient.
But placing multiple smart cabinets in different surgical rooms can actually make the management process more complicated.
Why Narcotics Cabinets Should Be in the OR Core Area
Wouldn’t it be simpler to locate the automated dispensing cabinet in the OR core area – providing an ‘OR pharmacy station’ that services all the ORs?
Narcotics are a central resource and do not require placement inside the OR.
Benefits of Centralized Narcotics Cabinet Placement
Enhanced Security
Locating the narcotics cabinet in a central area adds another layer of protection and helps deter drug diversion. Access can be monitored and restricted to authorized users, with full tracking of every dispensing action.
Better Use of Space
Operating rooms are already packed with essential equipment. With space at such a premium, why add a bulky cabinet that works just as effectively outside the room?
Lower Costs
There’s no need to purchase multiple units when a single automated dispensing cabinet in the OR core can serve several surgical rooms efficiently. One unit = lower purchase cost, less maintenance, and fewer integration points.
Easier Pharmacy Access
Pharmacy teams must restock and handle returns when rooms are free. Managing multiple cabinets across rooms increases workload and delays. Centralizing the cabinet makes the task faster, safer, and more controlled.
If you’re considering an automated dispensing solution for hospitals or ambulatory care centers, don’t be misled into thinking you need a cabinet inside every OR.
A single centralized automated narcotics cabinet in the OR core can fully support decentralized dispensing — while enhancing safety, efficiency, and oversight.
IDENTI’s Automated Dispensing Cabinet offers:
- Advanced single-cell dispensing technology
- Full tracking of users and items
- Real-time data for complete visibility
- Seamless integration with hospital pharmacy systems
- Enhance control, reduce risk, and optimize your narcotics management strategy.
Contact us for a demo to learn how IDENTI’s automated narcotics cabinet can improve workflow and safety in your hospital.
