May 2009: Automated Identification of Pharmaceutical Products in Canada
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), following broad consultation, jointly endorse the adoption of the GS1 global standard for automated identification (e.g., bar coding) of pharmaceutical products in Canada. Going forward, ISMP Canada and CPSI will work with stakeholders to ensure that the Canadian standard continues to evolve so that user requirements for implementing bar coding for enhanced safety of medication use within the healthcare system are fully identified and met across all healthcare sectors.The Canadian Pharmaceutical Bar Coding Project is a unique opportunity for all stakeholders within the Canadian medication system, from industry to healthcare providers, to collaborate nationally and internationally on a comprehensive strategy for enhanced medication use to improve patient safety.
More information is available from www.ismp-canada.org/download/safetyBulletins/ISMPCSB2009-4-PharmaceuticalBarCodingMovingForwardinCanada.pdf
