Institute for Safe Medication Practices

Definition

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing medication errors and ensuring safe medication use. It provides resources, guidelines, and education to healthcare professionals to enhance patient safety.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ISMP maintains a national voluntary error reporting system called the ISMP Medication Errors Reporting Program (MERP).
2. It publishes the ISMP List of High-Alert Medications to identify drugs that have a higher risk of causing significant harm if used incorrectly.
3. ISMP offers tools such as safety alerts, newsletters, and educational seminars to promote best practices in medication safety.
4. It collaborates with regulatory agencies like the FDA and professional organizations to influence policies and standards related to medication safety.
5. ISMP focuses on both system-based solutions and individual practices to reduce the incidence of drug errors.

Review Questions

• What is the primary mission of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices?
• Name one key resource provided by ISMP to prevent medication errors.
• How does ISMP collaborate with other agencies and organizations?

Related terms

Medication Error: An event that leads to inappropriate medication use or patient harm.

High-Alert Medications: Drugs that carry a higher risk of causing significant harm if used improperly.

FDA (Food and Drug Administration): A federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety of drugs, food, and other products.