Safe Medication

Polypharmacy: Impact on patient and medication safety

Anna (68-year-old female) was hospitalized after a fall, bringing along 14 medications she routinely takes at home. During the medication history review, it was revealed that she is taking seven vitamins and minerals based on friends’ advice. Upon examining her blood pressure medications, a...

Oral dosage form modifications: Important considerations to safeguard patient safety

Lily, an 18-year-old patient, has recently been prescribed Venlafaxine Extended-Release Capsules to address her symptoms of anxiety. Lily is facing challenges when it comes to swallowing these capsules due to their size and finds herself at a loss on how to proceed. Despite her...

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Predictors of opioid overdose after prescription for chronic pain

A large study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) identified 10 predictors of...

Opioid stewardship: Its role in patient/medication safety and pain management

Common examples of opioids include morphine, hydromorphone, and fentanyl, etc. When taken as instructed...

Prescribing psychostimulants for people at risk of overdose

Growing evidence supports prescribing psychostimulant medications to help reduce use of illegal stimulants such...

Dispelling myths: Safe medication use in pregnancy and breastfeeding

By Julia Giannini and Certina Ho Rachel is a 29-year-old lawyer who is actively trying...

Hazardous and cytotoxic drugs: Safety considerations

By Neil Patel, Abby Krupski, and Certina Ho When individuals refer to chemotherapy (or chemo)...

Safe and effective use of mobile health applications (mHealth Apps): What you need to know

By Tahani Dakkak and Certina Ho The use of mobile technology in healthcare has been...

Welcome to the annual CSHP special:

Hospital pharmacy and the COVID-19 pandemic: Where do we go from here? In this special...

Comprehensive Medication Review: A prerequisite for patient/medication safety

By Stephanie Lo, Geoffery Ng, and Certina Ho Jessica’s Case Jessica is a 68-year-old patient admitted...

Demystifying Opioid Overdose and the Role of Naloxone

By Song Min Lee and Certina Ho Opioid Crisis According to Health Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/canada-opioid-crisis-fact-sheet.html), more than...

Serotonin syndrome made simple

By Fabian Cretu, Christina Truong, and Certina Ho Over the past 12 hours, Sarah has...

Hypoglycemia management in patients with diabetes

By Stephanie Lau, Andrew Tu, and Certina Ho At the senior home this morning, Marie...

When COVID-19 meets allergy season

Jack could not help feeling self-conscious as he removed his face mask to wipe...

Latest articles

A quarter of deaths among young adults in Canada were opioid related in 2021

Premature deaths related to opioids doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with more...

Technology enhancing safety at hospitals

Over the past few years, incidents of violence against healthcare workers has increased worldwide....

Simulation program brings training directly to the front lines

A 37-year-old man collapses on a golf course. He’s rushed by ambulance to the...

Mercy Ships Canada Volunteer Crew Recognized for Dedication

VICTORIA, BC, April 10, 2024 - The Mercy Ships Canada Board of Directors and...