The Canadian Adverse Events Study (Baker et al, 2004) found drug or fluid-related events were the second most common type of adverse events in Canadian hospitals, accounting for 23.6% of the total.  The cost attributed to adverse drug events has been reported to be $4,028 per event (Etchells et al, 2012).  Furthermore, more than half of Canadians are using prescription drugs on a regular basis with 36% taking two or more medications (Health Council of Canada, 2014).

Medication Safety Summit

"We are not, as a country, doing enough to ensure the safe use of medications."

   ​​​​  ​-Medication Safety Summit participant

The Canadian Patient Safety Institute in partnership with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada), hosted a national medication safety summit in Toronto, Ontario, in June 2014, to create the synergy and coordination required to accelerate improvements in safe medication use in Canada.

Arising from the summit, A Medication Safety Action Plan with ​four themes (reporting, learning, and sharing; evidence informed practices; partnering with patients; and technology) was developed and distributed to meeting participants.  A number of organizations volunteered to take lead roles for specific actions.

• One Page Meeting Summary
• A Medication Safety Action Plan​

Check back for progress updates on A Medication Safety Action Plan.