RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Improving safety on the front lines: the role of clinical microsystems JF Quality and Safety in Health Care JO Qual Saf Health Care FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 45 OP 50 DO 10.1136/qhc.11.1.45 VO 11 IS 1 A1 Mohr, J J A1 Batalden, P B YR 2002 UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/11/1/45.abstract AB The clinical microsystem puts medical error and harm reduction into the broader context of safety and quality of care by providing a framework to assess and evaluate the structure, process, and outcomes of care. Eight characteristics of clinical microsystems emerged from a qualitative analysis of interviews with representatives from 43 microsystems across North America. These characteristics were used to develop a tool for assessing the function of microsystems. Further research is needed to assess microsystem performance, outcomes, and safety, and how to replicate “best practices” in other settings.