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Oregon Hospitals Improve Adverse Event Reporting

May 20, 2013

 

May 20, 2013 – Each year, Oregon hospitals submit adverse event reports to the Patient Safety Reporting Program that describe unintended harm (or potential harm) to patients as a result of  medical care. The Oregon Patient Safety Commission has published the 2012 Hospital Annual Summary, which provides an aggregate look at the adverse events reported by Oregon hospitals in 2012. 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.   Recommendations in the 2012 Hospital Annual Summary are centered on ways hospitals can strengthen their "culture of safety"—the shared set of values, norms, practices, policies, and  personnel behaviors that encompass “the way we do things around here.” Given that healthcare is intrinsically complex, a culture of safety fosters open communication and mutual respect among staff and leadership with an emphasis on learning to enhance patient safety.   All 58 of Oregon’s community hospitals participate in the Patient Safety Reporting Program, which demonstrates Oregon hospitals' commitment to patient safety through identifying, investigating,  and reporting adverse events. In 2012, 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. 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 as an additional  resource to learn and improve.   The 2012 Hospital Annual Summary is available on the Commission's website at: http://oregonpatientsafety.org/reporting-programs/hospital-annual-summaries/

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