Comment Through Oct 16 on ISMP’s Guidelines for Communication of Medication Information in Electronic Systems

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) invites healthcare practitioners to comment on its Draft Guidelines for the Safe Electronic Communication of Medication Information. To view and comment on the guidelines, visit www.ismp.org/tools/guidelines/SCEMI. Suggestions also can be submitted via email to ismpinfo@ismp.org.

ISMP observes, “Health information technology vendors and users currently do not have a set of accepted standards related to the safe presentation of electronic data associated with medication information.” The guidelines address how medication information is communicated in EHRs, CPOE systems, eMARS, pharmacy computer systems, e-prescribing systems, and electronic displays that appear when using barcode scanning systems, smart infusion pumps, and automated dispensing cabinets.

ISMP plans to submit the finalized guidelines to the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology and share them with technology vendors, standard setting organizations, professional organizations, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.