The annoying thing about the cabinets, particularly with large volume fluids, is that the nurses grab more than one at a time and the count is off. They will pull multiple bags on a patient but use some for other patients. They claim it is because of time. I just don't believe safety should be compromised like that. We finally had to put some blind counts on things...
As for the pharmacy "ATM", it seems more efficient for the consumer barring major insurance problems. I don't think it is a good idea though. I think there would be a lot of missed opportunities for patient education (among other things). I mean, what about the patients that just want a consult? "I have a fever and this and this, what can I take?", "My meds make me feel this way, what should I do?" "I have this rash? What is it and what can I put on it?" "My son has diarrhea, what should I do?", "I have been feeling bad lately and my sugars have been high. I don't know what's wrong", "I keep getting bloody noses but my coumadin dose has been the same, what do I do?", "I can't get into the doctor tonight and can't afford urgent care, what should I take for my upset stomach/earache/cough/etc. until morning?". Would we still be the most accessible health care professional? How many patients would be walking by and want to talk on a phone to someone? It just seems so impersonal and I don't think health care should be that way if it doesn't have to be (I recognize the need for telemedicine in some situations like rural settings...).
