Oregon Hospitals Improve Adverse Event Reporting

August 13, 2012 -- Each year, Oregon hospitals submit adverse event reports to the Patient Safety Reporting Program that describe unintended harm (or potential harm) experienced by patients as a result of medical care.

The Oregon Patient Safety Commission has published the 2011 Hospital Annual Summary, which provides an aggregate look at the adverse events reported by Oregon hospitals in 2011. Based on an analysis of the adverse event reports submitted, the summary provides information regarding the volume and type of adverse events reported, and a clear set of recommendations to promote awareness and prevent recurrence of similar problems.

In 2011, Oregon hospitals submitted more adverse event reports to the Oregon Patient Safety Commission than ever before. This increase in reports is not an indication that more adverse events are occurring, but rather, that Oregon hospitals are improving their ability to identify adverse events. Not only did the quantity of reports improve, but the quality and timeliness of the reports submitted also improved.

As of September 30, 2011, all 58 of Oregon’s community hospitals are participating in the Patient Safety Reporting Program. This major milestone is proof of hospitals' commitment to patient safety through identifying, investigating, and reporting adverse events. Full hospital participation in the reporting program helps to preserve the unique qualities of the program and will ensure that the Commission can continue to provide information on statewide trends and meaningful feedback for hospitals to learn and improve.

The 2011 Hospital Annual Summary is available on the Commission's website at: http://oregonpatientsafety.org/reporting-programs/hospital-annual-summaries/