An improved patient safety reporting system increases reports of disruptive behaviour in the perioperative setting (May 2019)

Summary

Patient safety event reporting systems are a mainstay in non-punitive reporting of near misses and adverse events. The authors of this study, published in the American Journal of Surgery, hypothesised that an upgraded reporting system that included the ability to report positive behaviours would increase behavioural reports in the perioperative environment.

After implementation of an upgraded reporting system that includes an option for positive reporting, the number and length of reports increased. The authors believe that a robust reporting system has contributed to a culture of safety at their institution.