title: Establishing an international baseline for medication safety in oncology: Findings from the 2012 ISMP International Medication Safety Self Assessment® for Oncology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2012, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) collaborated with an international panel of oncology practitioners to develop the ISMP International Medication Safety Self Assessment® for Oncology. This self-assessment was designed to assist oncology practitioners in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and office practice settings throughout the world to evaluate safe practices related to medication use in the oncology setting and to identify opportunities for improvement.
  The self-assessment consists of 175 items organized into 10 key elements subdivided into 18 core characteristics of safe medication use. Assessment results were submitted via a secure online portal. The online program allows participants to print and graph their results and to compare their findings with those of similar organizations both nationally and internationally.
  
  
  METHODS
  Complimentary access to the self-assessment was made available for a seven-month "snapshot" period in 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 352 organizations from 13 countries submitted assessment results. Key opportunities for improvement were identified in five areas: implementation of the World Health Organization recommendations for management of vinCRIStine and other vinca alkaloids, safe management of oral chemotherapy, labeling of distal ends of intravenous tubing, implementation of technology-based safeguards, and patient education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This international snapshot provides important data about the level of implementation of system-based safeguards in oncology practice, key improvement opportunities, and represents a baseline for future improvement efforts. A collaborative approach to identifying vulnerabilities and developing solutions for safe medication use in oncology will enhance the care of patients with cancer internationally.
authors.affiliation: ISMP Canada, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Greenall
authors.affiliation: ISMP, Horsham, USA.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shastay
authors.affiliation: ISMP, Horsham, USA.
authors.forename: Allen J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Vaida
authors.affiliation: ISMP Canada, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: U
authors.affiliation: Premier Inc., Tampa, USA.
authors.forename: Philip E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: ISMP Canada, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.affiliation: Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada Carole.Chambers@albertahealthservices.ca.
authors.forename: Carole
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000592:standards*; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000592:standards; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014944:World Health Organization
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: Oncology MSSA; medication safety; medication safety self-assessment; oncology