COVID-19 Medication Safety Page Launched By ISMP

A group of drug safety experts has launched a new resource website focused on providing medication and medical device safety information about whether they may be potential treatments for coronavirus.

TheInstitute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) developed the COVID-19 Resources website to provide information and tools for frontline healthcare workers during the global coronavirus pandemic.

The web page includes links to vital COVID-19 safety-related information and contains articles, webinars, and emerging news from the ISMP, the ECRI, and other respected health and safety organizations with information necessary regarding prevention, treatment, and medications linked to COVID-19.

The ISMP launched the resource to assist healthcare practitioners responding to the health pandemic during a situation that is quickly changing and spreading globally.

Recent additions to the website include articles about infusion pumps and a question and answer session with medication safety officers. The website also includes a resource with the ability to report a medication error related to COVID-19 treatment.

“We appreciate all of the selfless dedication of healthcare professionals during this unprecedented event, and our first priority is to help them with the resources that they need to keep themselves and their patients safe,” wrote the ISMP.

The website also includes special editions of the ISMP Medication Safety Alert! Acute Care newsletter focusing only on COVID-19 safety issues and insights. Topics for the recent special editions focused on planning for shortages of smart infusion pumps and hydroxychloroquine.

Other links on the site point to articles from outside sources such as the AIHA’s article “Proper Use of Masks for Healthcare Workers and First Responders” or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s article “Disinfectants for Use against SARS-CoV-2.”

The site also includes links to external organizations with information regarding COVID-19 health and safety, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the World Health Organization.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen with illnesses reported in all 50 states and sickening nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. alone. As of April 8, nearly 13,000 people have died in the United States due to the coronavirus.

Globally, there are more than 1.5 million confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease with nearly 89,000 deaths and rising.

To date, there is no known cure or vaccine for the COVID-19 disease. Health officials are working quickly to address the situation, but any meaningful treatment could be weeks to months away.