Identifying & Reporting Safety Events
events that occur in a clinical setting. By following the case of Mrs. Adjoa Obeng—an elderly
patient admitted with a high risk for falls—we have seen how safety risks can escalate from
simple hazards to critical sentinel events.
We have learned to distinguish between:
• Hazards/Unsafe Conditions: Potential risks like a wobbly bed rail.
• Near Misses: Errors caught by safety nets before reaching the patient.
• No Harm Events: Incidents that reach the patient but cause no injury.
• Adverse Events: Incidents resulting in actual harm, such as pressure ulcers.
• Sentinel Events: Severe incidents resulting in critical harm or death, such as a hip fracture
requiring surgery.
Instructor
About This Course
Welcome to Module 1: Course Introduction & Objectives. This course is designed to empower
every member of our healthcare team with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain a secure
environment for those in our care, because ultimately, safety is everyone's responsibility.
Led by Joy D. Okrah (Quality Officer), this session serves as a foundational step in our
commitment to excellence and high-quality care.
The Importance of Patient Safety
To begin, consider this: What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear "patient
safety”? Whether it's "trust," "vigilance," or "care," your perspective is vital. We must deeply
understand why patient safety matters - not just as a policy, but as the core of our clinical practice.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be equipped to:
• Define and Categorize Events: Clearly define patient safety events and differentiate
between their various types.
• Identification Skills: Gain the ability to identify both potential hazards and actual safety
events as they occur.
• Navigating Systems: Understand and effectively utilize the internal reporting process.
• Cultural Awareness: Recognize the critical importance of a blame-free culture, where
reporting is encouraged to foster learning rather than punishment.
Joy Dede Okrah
Curriculum Overview
This course includes 2 modules, 11 lessons, and 0:50 hours of materials.
In this module, we define patient safety events and explore the different categories of safety
incidents that can occur in a healthcare setting. Understanding these definitions is crucial for
accurate reporting and prevention. To make these concepts clear, we will follow the case scenario
of Mrs. Adjoa Obeng, a patient at high risk for falls, throughout her hospital stay.
In this module, we define patient safety events and explore the different categories of safety
incidents that can occur in a healthcare setting. Understanding these definitions is crucial for
accurate reporting and prevention. To make these concepts clear, we will follow the case scenario
of Mrs. Adjoa Obeng, a patient at high risk for falls, throughout her hospital stay.
In this module, we define patient safety events and explore the different categories of safety
incidents that can occur in a healthcare setting. Understanding these definitions is crucial for
accurate reporting and prevention. To make these concepts clear, we will follow the case scenario
of Mrs. Adjoa Obeng, a patient at high risk for falls, throughout her hospital stay.
In this module, we have established a clear framework for identifying the different types of safety
events that occur in a clinical setting.
Post Test Questions
Now that we have the skills to identify and categorize safety events, the next crucial step is
knowing how to act on that information. In Module 2, we will transition from identification to
action by focusing on the FOCOS Hospital Incident Reporting Process.
In the upcoming session, we will explore:
• The Mechanics of Reporting: How to use internal reporting mechanisms and what
specific details - such as date, location, and immediate action taken that must be included
in every report.
• Why Reporting Matters: How your reports protect patients from future harm, enable root
cause analysis, and build organizational trust.
• Fostering a "Just Culture": Understanding the importance of transparency and the
common barriers that can prevent staff from speaking up.
Join us as we learn how to turn our observations into meaningful changes that ensure safety
remains everyone's responsibility
Now that we have the skills to identify and categorize safety events, the next crucial step is
knowing how to act on that information. In Module 2, we will transition from identification to
action by focusing on the FOCOS Hospital Incident Reporting Process.
In the upcoming session, we will explore:
• The Mechanics of Reporting: How to use internal reporting mechanisms and what
specific details - such as date, location, and immediate action taken that must be included
in every report.
• Why Reporting Matters: How your reports protect patients from future harm, enable root
cause analysis, and build organizational trust.
• Fostering a "Just Culture": Understanding the importance of transparency and the
common barriers that can prevent staff from speaking up.
Join us as we learn how to turn our observations into meaningful changes that ensure safety
remains everyone's responsibility
Now that we have the skills to identify and categorize safety events, the next crucial step is
knowing how to act on that information. In Module 2, we will transition from identification to
action by focusing on the FOCOS Hospital Incident Reporting Process.
In the upcoming session, we will explore:
• The Mechanics of Reporting: How to use internal reporting mechanisms and what
specific details - such as date, location, and immediate action taken that must be included
in every report.
• Why Reporting Matters: How your reports protect patients from future harm, enable root
cause analysis, and build organizational trust.
• Fostering a "Just Culture": Understanding the importance of transparency and the
common barriers that can prevent staff from speaking up.
Join us as we learn how to turn our observations into meaningful changes that ensure safety
remains everyone's responsibility
Now that we have the skills to identify and categorize safety events, the next crucial step is
knowing how to act on that information. In Module 2, we will transition from identification to
action by focusing on the FOCOS Hospital Incident Reporting Process.
In the upcoming session, we will explore:
• The Mechanics of Reporting: How to use internal reporting mechanisms and what
specific details - such as date, location, and immediate action taken that must be included
in every report.
• Why Reporting Matters: How your reports protect patients from future harm, enable root
cause analysis, and build organizational trust.
• Fostering a "Just Culture": Understanding the importance of transparency and the
common barriers that can prevent staff from speaking up.
Join us as we learn how to turn our observations into meaningful changes that ensure safety
remains everyone's responsibility
Now that we have the skills to identify and categorize safety events, the next crucial step is
knowing how to act on that information. In Module 2, we will transition from identification to
action by focusing on the FOCOS Hospital Incident Reporting Process.
In the upcoming session, we will explore:
• The Mechanics of Reporting: How to use internal reporting mechanisms and what
specific details - such as date, location, and immediate action taken that must be included
in every report.
• Why Reporting Matters: How your reports protect patients from future harm, enable root
cause analysis, and build organizational trust.
• Fostering a "Just Culture": Understanding the importance of transparency and the
common barriers that can prevent staff from speaking up.
Join us as we learn how to turn our observations into meaningful changes that ensure safety
remains everyone's responsibility
Now that we have the skills to identify and categorize safety events, the next crucial step is
knowing how to act on that information. In Module 2, we will transition from identification to
action by focusing on the FOCOS Hospital Incident Reporting Process.
In the upcoming session, we will explore:
• The Mechanics of Reporting: How to use internal reporting mechanisms and what
specific details - such as date, location, and immediate action taken that must be included
in every report.
• Why Reporting Matters: How your reports protect patients from future harm, enable root
cause analysis, and build organizational trust.
• Fostering a "Just Culture": Understanding the importance of transparency and the
common barriers that can prevent staff from speaking up.
Join us as we learn how to turn our observations into meaningful changes that ensure safety
remains everyone's responsibility
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