Ever since To Err is Human advocated for reporting critical incidents to improve patient safety, incident reporting systems have proliferated across health care organizations (To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. 2000). Over the past two decades, critical incident reporting systems have become recognized as one of the principal drivers for improving patient safety (Eur J Anaesthesiol 2010;27:592-7). Effective incident reporting systems enhance safety and foster a positive safety culture (PLoS One 2015;10:e0144107; Pract Radiat Oncol 2013;3:157-63). Incident reporting systems identify and address hazards and latent harms that may result in patient injury. However, widespread use of incident reporting systems has led to overwhelming numbers of reports, many focused on mundane events or specific individuals that have little to do with patient safety. To prioritize patient safety, we must explore pitfalls of incident reporting systems and identify paths for improvement.
Incident reporting systems...
