USP to release fourth annual report on medication errors in US hospitals

Hospitalized Seniors at Greater Risk; Study Results and Tips for Consumers to Be Released To Media via Webcast on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. EST

To: Medical and health reporters/producers

Subject: Press Webcast and Teleconference (MEDMARX B-roll also available)

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) will release its annual report: Summary of Information Submitted to MEDMARX in the Year 2002: The Quest for Quality. The fourth annual data report from USP's MEDMARX program is the most comprehensive and current compilation of medication error data submitted by hospitals and health systems nationwide. MEDMARX is the anonymous, Internet-accessible medication error reporting program and quality improvement tool used to track and trend medication errors. This year's findings analyzed more than 192,000 medication errors that were voluntarily reported by 482 hospitals and health systems nationwide. MEDMARX is the nation's largest database of medication errors, containing more than 530,000 released records.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003 11 a.m. EST (8 a.m. PST)

Who: The Webcast will be presented by:

• Diane D. Cousins, R.Ph., vice president of USP's Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety
• Jeffrey Silverstone, R.Ph., MEDMARX program director, USP
• David Kotzin, R.Ph., director of pharmacy, Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Where: Live over the Internet. Log onto www.usp.org/medmarxwebcast. Please fill out the registration page in order to participate in the Webcast.

Note: to participate in the Webcast, you will need a Pentium-based PC, a high-speed Internet connection, and either Real Player (version G2/6 or higher) or Windows Media Player (version 6.4 or higher). To access by phone only, dial 1-800-575-5790, and enter "56781." Dial *0 for technical assistance during the Webcast.

To register for the Webcast or to obtain B-roll: To participate in the Webcast, please RSVP to [email protected]. Or for further information, and to obtain a copy of MEDMARX B-roll, contact Sherrie Borden, USP's director of public relations, at [email protected].

USP--Advancing Public Health Since 1820
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, standard-setting organization that advances public health by ensuring the quality and consistency of medicines, promoting the safe and proper use of medications, and verifying ingredients in dietary supplements. These standards, which are recognized worldwide, are developed by a unique process of public involvement through the contributions of volunteers representing pharmacy, medicine, and other health care professions, as well as science, academia, government, the pharmaceutical industry, and consumer organizations. For more information about USP and its four public health programs, visit www.usp.org/newscenter.