Archived News Releases: Pharmacists Express Concern about Patient Safety

(Ottawa, July 26, 2006) -

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is concerned that the results of a recent US study on the high prevalence of medication errors are being mirrored in Canada. The study, carried out by the Institute of Medicine and entitled Preventing Medication Errors, concluded that drug errors are so widespread that hospital patients, for example, should expect to suffer one every day they remain hospitalized (although most do not lead to injury). At least a quarter of these medication related errors are preventable.

According to Brian Stowe, President of CPhA, "Last year, $16.6 billion was spent on prescription drugs, yet approximately only one in ten adverse drug reactions are reported to Health Canada. If we are going to adequately deal with the problem of medication errors and adverse drug events, we need further investment in patient safety initiatives. The government needs to make funding of real world drug safety and effectiveness a priority." Stowe continued, "An effective response to Canadians' need for safe and effective drug therapy is going to require a concerted effort from the government, pharmacists, doctors, nurses, the pharmaceutical industry and patients themselves. With the ongoing discussion around a National Pharmaceutical Strategy (NPS), the time is right to move ahead."

Dr. Jeff Poston, CPhA Executive Director, commented, "This study proposes concrete error prevention strategies that are transferable to Canada. We certainly agree with the researchers' conclusion that a strong patient-provider relationship partnership is key to reducing medication errors. Pharmacists interact daily with Canadians regarding their prescriptions and, as the recognized drug expert, it is essential that they be involved if initiatives in patient medication safety are to succeed." Poston also stated, "CPhA is concerned that the NPS is focusing too much on the cost of drugs and not enough on their proper use, which must include patient education and monitoring."

CPhA, in conjunction with four other health associations, has released a Framework for a Canadian Pharmaceutical Strategy accompanied by an open letter to Premiers as they meet in St. John's this week. The Framework calls on the federal government to fund a comprehensive program to promote optimal prescribing and drug therapy monitoring by heath professionals. This would include strategies to improve patient knowledge and adherence to drug regimens, and the development of reliable impartial drug information for consumers.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Louise Crandall, Manager, Public Affairs, at (613) 523-7877 #267 or lcrandall@pharmacists.ca.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association is the national organization of pharmacists, committed to providing leadership for the profession and improving the health of Canadians.