ISMP is revising and expanding its Guidelines for Safe Implementation and Use of Smart Infusion Pumps, and we want your input! Pump technology has evolved over the last decade, and the updated draft addresses critical topics such as infrastructure, the drug library, continuous quality improvement data, clinical workflow, and bi-directional interoperability with the electronic health record. The deadline for comments is April 26, 2019. For a copy of the draft, visit: https://www.ismp.org/resources/draft-guidelines-optimizing-safe-implemen...

You now have more time to participate in a free, secure assessment that can help your organization gain lasting safety benefits! The deadline for data submission to ISMP’s national Gap Analysis of Safe IV Push Medication Practices has been extended to April 30, 2019. The assessment is short and easy to complete, and participants will immediately obtain a score. Don’t miss out—access the assessment tool at: www.ismp.org/resources/gap-analysis-tool-safe-iv-push-medication-practices.

ISMP is offering free programs on safe practices with intravenous push medications and compounding at pharmacy meetings this year in Texas, California, and Florida. The first program is on April 12 at the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists Annual Seminar. Our faculty will discuss at-risk behaviors, pros and cons of different drug delivery systems, and recommendations from ISMP guidelines. Space is limited, so save your seat early! For meeting locations/dates and to pre-register, visit: https://www.ismp.org/educational-services/improving-intravenous-drug-del...

Join ISMP and other nurse leaders for a session on how to Manage the Safety Risks Associated with IV Push Medication Use at several nursing meetings this spring. Speakers will describe common unsafe practices, review ISMP’s guidelines and gap analysis tool, and highlight strategies necessary for organizations to align their best practices to prevent errors. Programs are free, but space is limited, so pre-registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.ismp.org/manage-safety-risks-associated-iv-push-medication-use

Recent fatal medication errors have emphasized the need to regularly evaluate ADC use to avoid placing patients and staff in jeopardy. To help you adopt the most current safe practices, ISMP has released updated Guidelines for the Safe Use of Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs). Crucial issues such as override actions and monitoring, medication withdrawal procedures, and inventory management often do not receive enough attention. To download a copy of the guidelines and check whether you are doing everything recommended to optimize your ADCs, visit: https://www.ismp.org/resources/guidelines-safe-use-automated-dispensing-....

ISMP has introduced several new website capabilities; you can now sign up for a user account for faster, simpler access to valuable safety information--visit https://www.ismp.org/ismp-user-accounts to get started. You can also take advantage of an upgraded online store to purchase medication safety tools and a full online version of the ISMP Medication Safety Alert!® that is mobile-friendly and accessible to subscribers on any device. Visit www.ismp.org to see all our improvements!

Join us for Designing Reliable Practices for IV Push Medication Use: A Focus on Safe Administration, on Thursday, March 14, 2019 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET. Webinar speakers will discuss often-unrecognized risks, current ISMP recommendations, and national survey results. Participants also will receive access to a gap analysis tool. To register, visit: https://www.ismp.org/events/designing-reliable-practices-iv-push-medication-use-focus-safe-administration

The Medication Safety Intensive (MSI) Workshops sold out quickly last year! Act now to avoid being put on the waiting list in 2019; you won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to maximize your error prevention efforts and learn to look at your organization through the eyes of leading safety experts and regulatory agencies. For more information: https://www.ismp.org/education/msi-workshops
2019 MSI Dates: April 25-26—Houston, TX; September 12-13—Orlando, FL; December 6-7—Las Vegas, NV

Sign up now for the next MSOS Member Briefing webinar scheduled to be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST.

Short medication safety-related presentations for this webinar will include:

• Protecting Medications from Light in Automated Dispensing Cabinets
Stacy L. Carson, PharmD, BCPS, FISMP, Medication Safety Coordinator, AdventHealth Orlando

• 3+3+2= Danger! Simplifying Treatment of Acetaminophen Overdose
Paul E. Milligan, Pharm D, System Medication Safety Pharmacist, BJC HealthCare- St. Louis, MO

• ISMP IV Push Survey and Gap Analysis Tool
Judy Smetzer, BSN, RN, Vice President, Institute for Safe Medication Practices

• ISMP Update
Michael R. Cohen, RPh, MS, ScD (hon.), DPS (hon.), FASHP, President, Institute for Safe Medication Practices

Sign up now for the next MSOS Member Briefing webinar scheduled to be held on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 pm ET.

Short medication safety-related presentations for this webinar will include:

• Patient Allergies- Design Decisions for Medication Safety
o Elizabeth Wade, PharmD, BCPS, Medication Safety Officer, Concord Hospital
• Development of a System-Wide Diversion Oversight Committee
o Mandy Wollitz, PharmD, BCPS, FISMP, Program Director Pharmacy- Policy and Quality, Florida Hospital
• Hazards with the Use of U-500 Insulin
o Mary E. Burkhardt, MS, RPh, FASHP, National Pharmacy Executive- (Program Manager), VA National Center for Patient Safety
• Update from ISMP
o Michael Cohen, RPh, MS, ScD (hon), DPS (hon), FASHP, President, ISMP