Medication without harm: Building a network and knowledge exchange programme.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has a Global Patient Safety Challenge: ‘Medication Without Harm’ which aims to reduce worldwide harm associated with medications by half over 5 years. Medication-related harm includes medication incidents, errors, adverse drug reactions (ADRs; harmful responses to medicine) and adverse drug events (ADEs; a broader term for injuries related to medicine use). In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Medication Safety Programme is leading this WHO Patient Safety Challenge and is committed to reducing medication-related harm. However, despite medication safety being identified as a key area for improvement, there is no agreed strategy about how best to address medication-related harm. The proposed KTA activities include setting up a national Medication Without Harm Knowledge Exchange Event and to bring together health care policy-makers and regulators, health care professionals, researchers, patients and the public to share current evidence and present their perspectives on medication safety. Following the event, a Medication Without Harm network will be set up for all interested participants with ongoing discussion groups and a workshop to; (i) spread the news on medication safety; (ii) develop research and tools/techniques for improving medicines management in clinical practice; (iii) support, communicate and work with patients and the public to improve understanding and management of medications. The proposed KTA activities provide ways for everyone, including health care policy-makers and professionals, researchers, patients and the public to work together and share learning and ideas, and to spread medication safety research, and clinical practice and patient and public improvement medication safety initiatives more widely. This will create a more unified approach and concerted action to reduce medication-related harm in Ireland and improve health outcomes for all.

Award Date

12 September 2022

Award Value

€24,675.00

Principal Investigator

Dr Caitriona Cahir

Host Institution

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Scheme

Knowledge Translation Awards