Vision Statement
“To be recognized and respected
as the leading authority
working with pharmaceutical
and other healthcare industries to prevent
medication errors.” |
About Med-E.R.R.S.®
Med-E.R.R.S., Inc.®, a wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of the nonprofit Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), was established in 1997 when it was realized that there was a growing need within the pharmaceutical industry to develop trademarks, packaging and labels that minimize the potential for medication errors by users. In its ten years of operation, Med-E.R.R.S. has worked with over 100 pharmaceutical companies to provide services that have helped its clients make decisions regarding their products with a focus on safety.
Med-E.R.R.S. uses Failure Mode & Effects Analysis for evaluating medication names, packages and labels, as well as medication use systems that is in keeping with the recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration as well as other regulatory authorities.
Med-E.R.R.S. tests proposed trademarks in the pre-marketing phase for new drug products to identify and prevent potential sound-alike and look-alike confusion with existing products. Med-E.R.R.S. also evaluates the design of drug packaging and labels to maximize safety during use. Med-E.R.R.S. helps pharmaceutical companies collect, monitor, and evaluate suspected adverse drug events in the post-marketing phase for potential and actual medication errors. In addition, it provides consultative services to technology companies who are developing new products to improve the medication use process.
The Med-E.R.R.S. staff consists of healthcare professionals with extensive experience in clinical practice. These clinicians understand the real-life situations that occur when products are used in the healthcare environment. We integrate our knowledge and experience with the input of practicing clinicians in the field to systematically analyze potential trademarks, package labels, and technology to provide clients with an understanding of their products risks related to safety. |
| What Makes Us Different? |
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No other organization is “born” from a safety organization (ISMP) |
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Our parent organization, ISMP, operates the Medication Errors Reporting Program (MERP) in conjunction with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The Med-E.R.R.S. staff regularly review error reports to gain knowledge about the causes of medication errors and recommendations for their prevention. |
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Independent, not affiliated with any other outside organizations to prevent conflict of interest |
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Extensive experience with medication error analysis |
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Relationship with international healthcare organizations and an extensive network of healthcare practitioners world wide |
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Available for appeals to negative opinions from FDA |
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