Medication errors have been consistently identified in the literature in Canada and other countries. Adverse events, sometimes causing serious harm or death, due to preventable medication errors occur frequently in hospitals. Why? The reasons are complex, but it is clear that the most significant problems are related to medication prescribing. We hope to reduce the risks associated with medication prescribing by improving your knowledge and understanding of your role in the medication use process. Specifically, you will learn how to write safe medication orders and how to interact effectively with other members of the health care team to ensure that information about medications is communicated safely and effectively. You will learn about how to work in and promote a “culture of safety”.

Specific Learning Objectives

1. Identify and utilize appropriate methods of determining a patient’s medication history,
2. Demonstrate the use of appropriate terminology and accepted abbreviations when ordering medications,
3. Write safe, accurate, and complete medication prescriptions/orders,
4. Describe the basics of medication error reporting,
5. Communicate to the patient/family and other appropriate health care providers what changes have been made in the patient’s medication regimen.

Reference

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada is an independent national non-profit agency committed to the advancement of medication safety in all healthcare settings.