About

MedError.ca is Canada’s dedicated consumer reporting program, powered by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada).

Background

Every year, thousands of Canadians are impacted by medication incidents—ranging from incorrect dosages to dangerous drug interactions. These incidents can result in severe health consequences, extended hospitalizations, and in worst cases, loss of life. Medication errors also place a significant strain on families, caregivers, and Canada’s healthcare system. ISMP Canada is a national, independent, and not-for-profit organization that purposefully partners with organizations, practitioners, consumers, and caregivers to advance medication safety in all healthcare settings.

Through MedError.ca consumer medication error reporting platform, ISMP Canada is bridging the gap between the public and health care stakeholders. Medication incident reporting contributes to a nationwide effort to improve medication safety and educate Canadians. This platform empowers individuals to share their experiences, which in turn helps health care professionals and policymakers identify critical areas for improvement. Together, we can prevent future incidents and make medications safer for everyone.

Partner Organizations

Mederror.ca, is an integral part of the Canadian Medication Incident Reporting and Prevention System (CMIRPS), a vital pan-Canadian program dedicated to reducing and preventing harmful medication incidents across the nation CMIRPS is a collaborative initiative involving Health Canada, ISMP Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Information, Patients for Patient Safety Canada and Healthcare Excellence Canada. A collaborative coalition united by their expertise and resources, CMIRPS aims to enhance medication safety through education, analysis, and system-wide improvements. The program’s ultimate goal is to reduce and prevent harmful medication incidents across Canada, creating a safer healthcare environment for all.

As a part of CMIRPS, MedError.ca empowers individuals to share their medication-related experiences, which contribute to a shared body of knowledge designed to protect future patients. This collective effort drives meaningful change by identifying risk patterns, enabling proactive solutions, and fostering a culture of accountability and safety throughout Canada’s healthcare system.

Supported by funding from Health Canada, this program reflects a commitment to public safety and better healthcare outcomes. While funding support is provided by Health Canada, the views expressed through the program and its initiatives are independent and may not necessarily reflect those of Health Canada. By reporting with MedError.ca, you’re joining a countrywide mission to make medications safer for everyone.

Leadership

Carolyn Hoffman, RN, BSN, MN

Chief Executive Officer

Sylvia Hyland completed a pharmacy degree and a clinical pharmacy residency. She also earned a Master of Health Sciences in Bioethics through the Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto. In her work for ISMP Canada, Sylvia has assisted with analyses of medication incidents and reviews of medication systems in health care.

Editor

Dorothy Tscheng, RPh, BScPhm

Director, Practitioner & Consumer Reporting and Learning

Editorial Board

Amandeep Dhanoa, RPh, BScPhm

Medication Safety Specialist

Melissa joined ISMP Canada as a Patient and Family Advisor. She has over 15 years' experience working with families, teaching children and colleagues. Melissa has made meaningful change in Ontario, across the country and in other parts of the world through her advocacy for increased patient safety in medication safety. She speaks publicly about the loss of her son through medication error to patients, professionals and faculty students. Melissa’s role at ISMPC is to be the voice of both the patient and consumer and to advise on different projects, using that unique perspective.