Optimization of antidote stocking, availability, and administration practices for a large multihospital organization.

Purpose: Inadequate hospital antidote inventory is a widely documented international issue due to high medication costs, lack of emphasis on antidote importance, variable international standards, hospital size, and drug availability. A large health system underwent process and policy implementation for antidote stocking, availability tracking, and administration strategies to ensure appropriate inventory and improve patient safety.

Summary: Process and policy implementation occurred over a 12-month period across the health system's 11 acute care hospitals with emergency department services.