Medication Safety Alerts

SMP Canada has completed preparations for a research study entitled “Impact of Interventions for Improvement of Medication Use Systems in Ontario Hospitals”, which is being funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Letters of agreement have been mailed to the presidents and CEOs of hospitals that have expressed interest in participating in the study. Approximately 30 hospitals will be enrolled and randomized to the control group or the study group. Because of the number of reports and concerns related to infusion pump devices, ISMP Canada considers infusion device problems a priority issue in this country. Dr John Doyle of the University Health Network and Dr Kim Vicente of the University of Toronto's Cognitive Engineering Laboratory will lead a project to review the use of infusion pumps in Canadian hospitals. This joint project with ISMP Canada will involve a comprehensive survey of Canadian hospitals concerning their use of infusion pumps, problems related to the pumps, and other issues. CSHP has been invited to provide input and assistance with this important initiative.