General Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ISMP Canada, or the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, is a national, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing medication safety in healthcare. A key initiative of ISMP Canada is the MedError program, which empowers health care providers, patients, and caregivers to report medication errors and near misses. Through this program, ISMP Canada collects and analyzes reports to identify patterns and the root causes of errors in medication use. These findings support the development of evidence-based recommendations, resources, and educational tools aimed at improving systemic practices. By fostering learning and collaboration among stakeholders, ISMP Canada plays a vital role in preventing future medication errors and enhancing the safety of the health care system across the country.

ISMP Canada has implemented a number of safeguards to protect the information received in reports. These safeguards protect information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification. The safeguards include:

• Physical security such as locked filing cabinets and restricted office access.
• Administrative controls like limiting access to sensitive information on a “need-to-know” basis.
• Technical safeguards like password-protected systems and data encryption.

For more information, see ISMP Canada’s full privacy policy and MedErrors Privacy Policy.

No. ISMP Canada cannot investigate individual complaints about the health care organization or health professional that provided your care. If you have concerns about the safety of your care, you are encouraged to first speak with your health care provider or someone involved in your care, such as a supervisor or manager. You may also contact the appropriate regulator, e.g., the College of Pharmacists in your province or territory, if your concerns are not addressed. Information on what to do to resolve a concern about the safety of your care is available on the websites of Healthcare Excellence Canada and Patients for Patient Safety Canada.

Improved Awareness: Sharing your story educates others and raises awareness about common issues.

Better Safety Measures: Reports lead to actionable recommendations that healthcare providers can implement.