How-to Guide: Prevent Harm from High-Alert Medications

Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Last updated: April 2012


How to cite this document:
How-to Guide: Prevent Harm from High-Alert Medications. Cambridge, MA: Institute for Healthcare Improvement; 2012. (Available at www.ihi.org).

This How-to Guide describes key evidence-based care components for preventing harm from high-alert medications (specifically anticoagulants, narcotics and opiates, insulins, and sedatives), describes how to implement these interventions, and recommends measures to gauge improvement. The guide was initially developed as part of IHI's 5 Million Lives Campaign.

Please note: Clinical content evolves rapidly as the scientific evidence-base changes. The content of this report was last updated April 2012.

Therefore, this report may not reflect scientific changes that have taken place since that time and may not be aligned with the most recent clinical evidence and practice guidelines. The information provided in this report is for informational purposes only, and is not diagnostic or formal clinical guidance. IHI expressly disclaims any and all representations and warranties with respect to the content of the report, including without limitation any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy of such information or its fitness for a particular purpose. Further, IHI expressly disclaims any obligation to update this report. By downloading this report, you agree, for yourself and on behalf of your organization, if any, that IHI expressly disclaims and shall have no exposure for any and all liabilities, losses, or damages of any type or nature, regardless of the theory pursuant to which the claim for such liabilities, losses, or damages are brought, and whether such liabilities, losses, or damages are direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, or consequential.

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