Taking on the issues: Medication Diversion Program

Medication theft continues to be a growing problem in healthcare settings. In fact, 1 in 10 healthcare providers will abuse drugs at some point.¹

Combatting this issue at HCA Healthcare meant not only encouraging colleagues to speak up, but also educating them on how and why to do so. In 2020, we developed a comprehensive toolkit that included print signage and clinical tools like huddle and pocket cards. The developed “Speak up because you care.” as the campaign headline to put a sense of accountability on ALL colleagues. The clinical toolkits included ‘discussion starters’ to educate folks on signs of misuse, how it impacts patients and colleagues, and what you can do to report it.

In 2021, we also developed a challenge coin program where colleagues who report medication diversion may receive a custom challenge coin and holder to show HCA Healthcare’s gratitude for their commitment to improving more lives by being ethical and compliant.