Should we include prefilled syringes in our departmental medication policy?
Yes, it makes complete sense. The Joint RCoA and Association of Anaesthetists ‘Safe drug management in Anaesthetic Practice 2020’ strongly recommends the use of drugs prepared in prefilled syringes and The Royal Pharmaceutical Society 2018 'Professional Guidance on the safe and secure handling of medicines guidelines’ says that in operating theatres injectable medicines should be presented as prefilled syringes wherever possible. Both these documents are referenced in the ACSA standard 2.2.1.1. which states ‘All departments should have a policy for the safe and secure handling of medicines that follows ‘Safe drug management in Anaesthetic Practice 2020’.