ISMP Canada Highlights Medication Safety Gaps After Hospital Discharge

On July 21, 2026, ISMP Canada published an analysis of medication incidents associated with hospital readmissions or emergency visits. The findings apply to both hospital and community pharmacy teams managing transitions home.

The bulletin identifies gaps in discharge planning, prescription processing and implementation at home. Medication or dose omission was the most frequently reported incident type in the analysis.

Practice guidance for pharmacists

• Reconcile discharge changes with the pharmacy profile and inactivate discontinued therapy.
• Check every page of discharge documents and clarify discrepancies with the hospital team.
• Independently double-check dispensed medicines against discharge prescriptions.
• Ask patients or caregivers to demonstrate use of new medicines and devices.
• Confirm access, affordability and follow-up monitoring before the patient leaves hospital.

The bulletin emphasizes communication across hospital, pharmacy and home to prevent avoidable medication-related harm.