Defining and measuring patient safety

Peter J Pronovost; David A Thompson; Christine G Holzmueller; Lisa H Lubomski; Laura L Morlock

doi:10.1016/j.ccc.2004.07.006

Defining and measuring patient safety

Crit Care Clin. 2005 Jan;21(1):1-19, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2004.07.006.

Authors

Peter J Pronovost¹, David A Thompson, Christine G Holzmueller, Lisa H Lubomski, Laura L Morlock

Affiliation

¹ Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Surgery and Health Policy & Management, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 901 South Bond Street, Suite 318, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. ppronovo@jhmi.edu

PMID: 15579349
DOI: 10.1016/j.ccc.2004.07.006

Abstract

Despite the growing demand for improved safety in health care, debate remains regarding the magnitude of the problem and the degree to which harm is preventable. To a great extent, this debate stems from variation in the definition and methods for measuring safety, its "shadow" error, and the degree of preventability. This article reviews the definition of safety and error, discusses approaches to measuring safety, and provides a framework for investigating incidents that unveils how the systems under which care is delivered may contribute to adverse incidents.

Publication types

Case Reports
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Communication*
Critical Care / methods*
Critical Care / organization & administration
Humans
Intensive Care Units*
Male
Medication Errors / prevention & control*
Quality of Health Care*
Risk Management
Safety

Grants and funding

U18 HS11902/HS/AHRQ HHS/United States