Drug Shortage Safety

This site was developed to assist healthcare practitioners and organizations to prepare for and manage select medication shortages.

Various factors and circumstances have the potential to increase the risk of harmful medication incidents during drug shortages. Of particular concern are drug shortages that affect high alert drugs.

By supporting proactive preparation for drug shortages, we aim to help mitigate risks associated with drug shortages and reduce the potential for medication errors.

ISMP Canada is an independent national not-for-profit organization committed to the advancement of medication safety in all healthcare settings. ISMP Canada works in collaboration with hospitals, the healthcare community, and the pharmaceutical industry to promote safe medication practices.

Knowledge Exchange

A document sharing service for specific drug shortages.

Links

View Current and Resolved drug shortages:

drugshortages.ca

ISMP Canada Drug Shortage Bulletins:

Drug Shortages and Medication Safety Concerns - March 2012

Ethical Framework:

Ethical Framework for Resource Allocation During the Drug Supply Shortage

The Drug Shortage Safety Knowledge Exchange was developed for the purpose of sharing learning experiences to help mitigate risks associated with drug shortages. Our collaborative goal is to support implementation of protocols, preventative strategies and system safeguards to decrease the risk for medication errors and to promote medication safety. To contribute documents and change management-related information to this site, email us at info@ismp-canada.org or phone us at 416-733-3131.

All reasonable precautions have been taken by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) to verify the information contained in this website. However, ISMP Canada does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such information. Accordingly, the information is shared without warranty or representation of any kind (express, implied or statutory). The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the information provided hereby lies with the reader. In no event shall ISMP Canada be liable for damages arising from the use or misuse of such information.