The Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) launched a Self-Assessment Tool for hospitals to assess the safety of systems and practices associated with up to 11 categories of high-alert medications. ISMP defines high-alert medications as those drugs that bear a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error. WSHA strongly encourages all facilities to complete the assessment for every high-alert medication category used in their facility, particularly in the categories of insulin, opioids and anti-coagulants. For additional resources on those high-alert medications, see the WSHA Medication Safety Homepage focusing on preventing adverse drug events, or contact Meg Kilcup. (Meg Kilcup)
