Medication errors with medicine giving are among the most avoidable dangers in health care, but they still threaten patient safety and put pressure on health systems globally. A new study by Brabcová identifies three reasons for these errors: drugs looking alike, drug names sounding alike, and often swapping branded medicines for generics. Reporting problems add to the challenge, as nurses mention worries about being blamed, patient reactions, and a focus on individual fault instead of system fixes. This leads to a shocking 80–100% of drug errors not being reported, leaving serious safety issues unchecked.
These results matter significantly in Canada, where look-alike sound-alike (LASA) drug names create risk. Canada has set up one of the strictest LASA testing systems to deal with these risks. This approach ensures brand names are distinct, workable, and safe in real life. An essential part of Canada’s LASA testing is checking drug names with 100 healthcare workers currently practicing, including 20–25% who speak French. This bilingual aspect shows Canada’s language variety and keeps its health system safe.
Testing happens where medication mistakes, such as in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units, are likely to occur. By simulating everyday situations that are risky for using medications, Canada’s LASA system spots and deals with possible threats ahead of time. Plus, the process looks at brand names in different contexts for drug use, like when using multiple medications or within the same treatment group. These extensive steps ensure drug names cannot be confused even in complicated prescribing and dispensing situations.
Canada’s LASA testing framework stands as a firm answer to study results and a global model against medication errors. By emphasizing unique and unmistakable brand names, Canada lessens the chance for mix-ups and builds trust between health workers and patients. This forward-looking method stresses fixing system weaknesses rather than blaming individuals, reinforcing Canada’s promise to patient safety. As health care keeps changing, Canada’s LASA tests become an example of protecting patients and ensuring that safety is integrated into medical practices.
Brabcová, Iva, et al. “Reasons for Medication Administration Errors, Barriers to Reporting Them and the Number of Reported Medication Administration Errors from the Perspective of Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Survey.” Nurse Education in Practice, vol. 70, 2023, pp. 103642–103642, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103642.
By Scott Sawler, JD, RPh.
Scott Sawler, JD, RPh.
President, Canadian Regulatory Affairs
Mr. Sawler joined DSI – Ottawa as Managing Director, Canadian Regulatory Affairs in 2017 and in 2018 was promoted to President, Canadian Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining DSI, he was Director General (DG) of Health Canada’s Marketed Health Products Directorate (MHPD), which is responsible for reviewing and approving proposed proprietary (brand) names; conducting risk/benefit assessments of marketed health products; overseeing the advertising regulatory requirements of health products; providing policies to effectively regulate marketed health products etc. Among his many roles and accomplishments as DG was leading the development of the 2014 Health Canada Guidance Document for Industry – Review of Brand Names (officially implemented in June of 2015), which provides direction on process and information to be submitted to Health Canada regarding the potential for a proposed name. He also oversaw significant changes to the regulatory framework governing health products were adopted, especially those relating to the Brand Names, Labeling and Packaging of Drugs for Human use. Prior to this, Mr. Sawler was the DG of Health Canada’s Natural and Non-prescription Health Product Directorate where he led the program through a transitional period. He re-established its strategic vision, overhauled its policies and streamlined management systems to put the program back on track. Mr. Sawler also has significant experience as an executive and counsel in clinical trial management, government, legal and regulatory affairs. His clients included pharmaceutical companies, health professional associations, and non-governmental organizations.Mr. Sawler earned his LL.M. from Osgoode Hall at York University, an M.B.A. from the University of Laval, an LL.B. from the University of Ottawa, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of New Brunswick.
