Medication Safety Mission: Prevent Patient Harm

Experts estimate at least 1.5 million patients are harmed by medication errors each year in the US. Medication safety – freedom from harm related to medication use - is a fundamental responsibility of all members of the profession of pharmacy.

Pharmacists often serve as leaders of a carefully planned and executed medication safety program within an organization. Such programs include a comprehensive assessment of all steps of the medication-use process:

1. Planning (policies, procedures)

2. Purchasing (product selection and procurement)

3. Storage

4. Prescribing

5. Dispensing (preparation, distribution)

6. Administration

7. Patient Monitoring

When designing or improving systems and workflows, both formal and informal leaders should consider each step of the medication-use process. The ultimate goal? To prevent harm to patients!