ISMP receives copies of the reports, which provide insight into medication error problems occurring in today's healthcare settings. The Institute's staff review each report independently and consult with its voluntary practitioner advisory board as necessary. Then a brief synopsis of the error, along with the reporter's prevention suggestions and ISMP recommendations are disseminated to frontline practitioners through 15 monthly journals or bimonthly healthcare publications. The hope is that the information will help avoid repetition of the same situation in another healthcare setting. All of the information sent to MERP by reporters is held in confidence, and no one's identity has ever been revealed.
Reporters can also remain anonymous if they choose.
Still, few nurses report errors, most likely because they are unfamiliar with the reporting program. Thus, many events go unreported and important epidemiological and preventive information is not available to others for educational purposes. Simply put, when errors are not reported, nobody benefits, Conversely, if everyone in the healthcare continuum, including patients, learn about the nature and causes of medication errors, drug-related problems will be reduced. If the nursing department in your organization is not receiving the biweekly newsletter, contact the director of pharmacy. Ask that the newsletter be sent to nursing units and post it on your unit's bulletin board.