Medication safety is improved through the sharing of frontline improvement experiences and concerns. These articles share recommendations to reduce risks associated with distinct areas of the medication use process. The topics discuss areas that require specific attention during the COVID-19 pandemic such as the use of smart pumps and automated dispensing cabinets.

Lack of familiarity with smart pumps can lead to user error and patient harm. The article describes conditions that lead to a programing mistake. It suggests enhanced “hands on” education, improved medication labeling, required engagement with drug libraries when programing pumps and assessed equipment competency as actions to mitigate similar incident occurrence.  

Errors in IV medication use can result in serious adverse health consequences. This article shares an analysis of approximately 200 oxytocin incident reports. Five areas of concern identified include prescribing, look alike/sound alike packaging, preparation, administration and communication problems. Patient engagement, bar coding use and verbal order reduction are highlighted amongst the listed improvement strategies.

Smart pumps are widely available as a medication safety tool yet there are challenges affecting their reliable use. This guideline expands on earlier recommendations  to support smart pump use in both hospitals and the ambulatory setting. The material provides recommendations that address infrastructure, drug libraries, quality improvement data, workflow and electronic health record interoperability concerns.