Whilst resources to support frontline staff in the stepwise implementation of medication safety programmes are available in other jurisdictions, few publications have addressed this issue in an Irish healthcare context. It was with the intention of addressing this gap that the IMSN compiled the following document which outlines the building blocks for the design of a medication safety programme based on the first-hand experience accrued by Medication Safety Officers in hospitals in Ireland over the past several years. Our hope is that healthcare staff will use this guide to support them in the practical implementation of the HIQA medication safety recommendations and in establishing best practice in their respective organisations. Originally published in 2018, this document was reviewed and updated in 2023 and is currently on its second version.
Building Blocks Document