How to Identify a Safety Event?
Effective identification requires staff to be observant during daily tasks. You should proactively
identify events through:
• Rounding observations
• Patient and family feedback
• Electronic monitoring systems (audits)
Self-Assessment Questions: When reviewing patient care, ask yourself:
• Did something go wrong during patient care?
• Did the patient experience an unexpected outcome?
• Was there a deviation from standard procedure or protocol?
Reporting Mechanisms
At FOCOS, the reporting process follows a specific sequence of actions to ensure patient safety
and data accuracy.
Methods of Reporting:
• Incident reporting forms: Standardized documentation for all events.
• Verbal reports to supervisors: Immediate notification for urgent concerns which must be
followed with standardized documentation.
• Anonymous reporting systems: Options for staff to report without disclosing their
identity. Here the completed form can be dropped in the suggestion boxes.
• Electronic reporting: A digital system currently being developed to streamline the
process.
The FOCOS Hospital Incident Reporting Process:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Identify and stabilize: First, ensure the patient is stabilized.
Notify: Inform your supervisor or unit head immediately.
Document: Complete the incident reporting forms with factual details.
Notify Quality Unit: Formally report the event to the Quality Unit.
o Sentinel Events: Must be reported within 48 hours.
o All Other Events: Must be reported within 72 hours.
Participation: Engage in the subsequent investigation and debrief.What to Include in a Report: A comprehensive report must contain:
• Date, time, and location of the event.
• Factual description of what happened.
• Identification of who was involved.
• Immediate actions taken to manage the situation.
