Scientific supervision of anesthetic and psychotropic drugs in local medical universities based on the PDCA cycle

Toxic and narcotic reagents are critical specialized substances widely used in pharmacology, toxicology, neuroscience, and other biomedical fields across medical colleges and research institutions. Due to their high toxicity, significant addictive potential, and elevated risk of abuse, they pose serious safety, regulatory, and ethical challenges. Managing these reagents constitutes a “safety red line” in university laboratories. In recent years, laboratory accidents related to the mismanagement of hazardous chemicals have increased, exposing deficiencies in current practices, such as unclear allocation of responsibilities, insufficient real-time monitoring, and fragmented procurement processes. These incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen both regulatory frameworks and personnel professionalism to prevent abuse, diversion, and accidental exposure.

This study systematically reviews the major challenges in managing toxic and narcotic reagents in academic settings, including ambiguous approval workflows, a lack of digital tracking, and inadequate safety training. Drawing on the operational experience of the National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Anesthetic and Psychotropic Drugs at Xuzhou Medical University, we propose an integrated management model based on the PDCA (plan-do-check-act) cycle within the overarching framework of a “safety red line.” The model incorporates four iterative phases: planning (defining roles and standard operating procedures), doing (implementing digital procurement and real-time inventory tracking), checking (conducting internal audits and risk assessments), and acting (correcting nonconformities and updating protocols). This paper elaborates on practical experiences and innovative strategies in reagent management and team development, emphasizing institutional mechanisms, technological integration (e.g., role-based access control and blockchain-ready logging), and human factors, such as safety culture and continuous education.

The study demonstrates innovative approaches to building a safety management team tailored to the supervision of toxic and narcotic reagents. Through the PDCA cycle, a supportive environment has been established that enhances the safety and efficiency of teaching and research activities. Key outcomes include a clear hierarchical approval system (departmental review by academic affairs, science and technology, and security offices, followed by centralized qualification by the state assets management office), fully information-based procurement, and mandatory documentation for regulatory submission to public security and drug administration authorities. The model provides strong institutional support, ensures regulatory compliance, and offers a replicable framework for other institutions. It emphasizes continuous training, clear allocation of responsibilities, and the use of digital tools for real-time monitoring and accountability. Since implementation, procedural violations have decreased significantly, and emergency response preparedness has improved.

Effective management of toxic and narcotic reagents requires a multifaceted approach integrating standardized processes, technological empowerment, and a people-oriented safety culture. The proposed PDCA-based model not only safeguards the lives and health of university faculty members and students but also ensures the smooth progression of laboratory activities. By reinforcing laboratory stability, it contributes to the broader social responsibilities of academic institutions. Future efforts should focus on continuous optimization, intelligent monitoring systems, and ongoing professional development to adapt to evolving regulatory demands and emerging research needs.