Medication Safety Toolkit

Medication errors can occur at any point in the medication delivery system. These guidelines provide the pharmacist with practical recommendations and best practices for preventing and mitigating patient harm from medication errors.

The misuse of single and multi-dose vials has led to numerous adverse events related to the transmission of infections. This Sentinel Event Alert, published by The Joint Commission in 2014, spotlights the concerns related to the misuse of vials, outlining proper processes and procedures that can be implemented to reduce these risks.

This policy statement, developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, addresses medication errors in the pediatric population. The statement outlines safeguards that should be taken for pediatric patients, going above and beyond those for adults.

It is imperative to review medication errors and adverse drug events as this can provide valuable information on the breakdown of processes. The article provides tips on reviewing and identifying key opportunities.

This resource discusses how drug shortages can compromise patient care.

The CDC provides facts and tips addressing opioid overdose prevention.

National Patient Safety Goals represent best practices with various processes. This R3 Report from The Joint Commission gives detailed information on the NPSG for anticoagulant therapy that includes the requirement, the rationale for why the requirement was developed, and the reference.

Although medication errors of any kind are dangerous, IV push medication administration can pose a significant risk to patients due to rapid bioavailability effects and a limited ability to reverse the medication’s impact. This is a comprehensive guide of safe practices compiled by the ISMP that can help reduce the risks to patients when administering medications via IV push.

The goal of diabetes treatment is to manage hyperglycemia while preventing hypoglycemia. Subcutaneous administration of insulin is often used to manage patient glucose levels. However, insulin is a high-risk medication and care should be taken to prevent errors associated with its use. ISMP has developed these guidelines discussing the potential risks associated with insulin administration and safeguards that can be implemented to prevent errors.

The ASHP provides patient safety resources for pharmacists.

High alert medication administration is a very important process to ensure patient's receive the correct medication. IHI provides tips on improving the process.

ISMP provides a list of look-alike and sound-alike medications.

ISMP provides best practices for medication safety processes in hospitals.

A risk assessment to help evaluate medication safety practices throughout the hospital.

A quick risk assessment tool perfect for unit-specific medication safety rounds. This tool enables the user to electronically send results to a unit manager where an action plan can be entered.

The Medication Safety pamphlet is for you to provide to patients as a way to help them understand their medication plan. This allows the patient to stay involved and informed with their medical care. Included in each pamphlet is a Medication Tracker designed for easy access to their medication list and folds up for them to keep in their wallet at all times.

If you would like copies of this publication mailed to you, please contact Lori Ray at 225.368.3801 or loriray@lhatrustfunds.com.

The Center for Patient Safety provides resources for patients to assist with talking to the doctor about their medications and keeping track of their current prescribed medications.

The FDA provides resources on medication safety information.

The WHO provides tips on improving medication safety.

While hospitalized, patients are provided a safe medication administration process. Patients can educate themselves on the medication administration process in hospitals.

ISMP offers on-demand webinars focusing on safe medication practices.