The following is a guest article by Carolyn Bourke, RN, BSN, Product Manager for DetectRx at iatricSystems

Drug diversion remains a significant concern in healthcare, impacting patient safety and hospital operations. But how we approach investigations can make a world of difference, not only for patients but also for the clinicians and staff at the heart of care.

Having worked in healthcare, I understand the stress and uncertainty that diversion investigations can cause across all disciplines, whether you’re a nurse, pharmacist, physician, or technician. When the process feels unfair or excessively harsh, it can damage morale and trust. Yet, healthcare professionals are dedicated individuals working in complex, high-pressure environments who deserve fairness and support.

Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping healthcare teams transform drug diversion monitoring from a source of anxiety into a foundation of clarity, fairness, and support.

The Challenges of Manual Audits

Traditionally, drug diversion investigations have depended on manual audits, time-intensive reviews of medication records, waste logs, and documentation in multiple sources. These processes can be inconsistent and vulnerable to human bias.

When auditors know the staff involved, unconscious bias may influence their conclusions. Even with the best intentions, audits can sometimes feel overly strict or personal, leading to mistrust and anxiety among healthcare professionals.

Moreover, manual reviews often miss important context. For example, a nurse handling high-risk medications in a busy hospital may appear to have unusual usage patterns. Without comparing their activity to peers in similar roles or shifts, these differences can be misinterpreted.

AI Role: Creating Confidence Through Data and Context

AI offers a fresh perspective by rapidly analyzing large data sets with consistent objectivity. It identifies meaningful patterns, like frequent medication overrides or irregular documentation timing, without assumptions or emotions.

This data-driven approach provides healthcare leaders and clinical teams with a clearer, more accurate picture. AI goes beyond isolated incidents by contextualizing behavior, comparing it to peers in similar roles and settings, so investigations focus on real risks, not appearances.

AI is also allowing healthcare organizations to respond more proactively, whether through additional training, workflow improvements, or compassionate support. This clarity and fairness build confidence in the process, making healthcare professionals feel respected rather than scrutinized.

A Culture Rooted in Trust, Not Fear

Technology alone won’t change a culture, but it can help guide it in the right direction. When healthcare professionals understand that diversion monitoring is consistent, objective, and data-driven, they’re more likely to trust the process. That trust encourages openness, early reporting, and stronger collaboration between departments.

We have to move away from a culture of fear and toward one of accountability with compassion. That means:

• Communicating clearly about expectations on how monitoring works
• Investigating based on data, not assumptions
• Supporting staff who need help, not just disciplining them
• Protecting both patients and professionals through transparency

AI gives leaders the tools to act decisively and fairly, fostering an environment where everyone, from bedside nurses to executives, works together to uphold patient safety and clinical integrity.

Final Thoughts

Drug diversion will always require vigilance. But AI-powered technologies are helping us reimagine how we detect and address it, with greater fairness, clarity, and support for those who provide care.

It’s also important to remember that healthcare professionals are vital allies in the fight against drug diversion. By combining their expertise with advanced technology, we can create systems that protect patients and nurture a positive, collaborative future.

As AI continues to evolve, it promises to be an even more powerful ally, helping healthcare teams prevent diversion before it happens, freeing clinicians to focus on patient care, and building trust through transparency and fairness. Embracing AI today means investing in safer hospitals and stronger healthcare teams tomorrow.

About Carolyn Bourke

Carolyn Bourke is a registered nurse with more than 32 years of experience in various nursing roles and healthcare IT. She earned her BSN from Grand Canyon University and is a member of the International Healthcare Facility Diversion Association. She joined iatricSystems 14 years ago as a Product Consultant and is now the Product Manager for DetectRx, our drug diversion monitoring product.