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Lea W, Lawton R, Vincent C, O’Hara J. Exploring the "Black Box" of Recommendation Generation in Local Health Care Incident Investigations: A Scoping Review. J Patient Saf 2023; 19:553-563. [PMID: 37712844 PMCID: PMC10662609 DOI: 10.1097/pts.0000000000001164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incident investigation remains a cornerstone of patient safety management and improvement, with recommendations meant to drive action and improvement. There is little empirical evidence about how-in real-world hospital settings-recommendations are generated or judged for effectiveness. OBJECTIVES Our research questions, concerning internal hospital investigations, were as follows: (1) What approaches to incident investigation are used before the generation of recommendations? (2) What are the processes for generating recommendations after a patient safety incident investigation? (3) What are the number and types of recommendations proposed? (4) What criteria are used, by hospitals or study authors, to assess the quality or strength of recommendations made? METHODS Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review. Studies were included if they reported data from investigations undertaken and recommendations generated within hospitals. Review questions were answered with content analysis, and extracted recommendations were categorized and counted. RESULTS Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Root cause analysis was the dominant investigation approach, but methods for recommendation generation were unclear. A total of 4579 recommendations were extracted, largely focusing on individuals' behavior rather than addressing deficiencies in systems (<7% classified as strong). Included studies reported recommendation effectiveness as judged against predefined "action" hierarchies or by incident recurrence, which was not comprehensively reported. CONCLUSIONS Despite the ubiquity of incident investigation, there is a surprising lack of evidence concerning how recommendation generation is or should be undertaken. Little evidence is presented to show that investigations or recommendations result in improved care quality or safety. We contend that, although incident investigations remain foundational to patient safety, more enquiry is needed about how this important work is actually achieved and whether it can contribute to improving quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Lea
- From the York & Scarborough Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, University of Leeds, Leeds
- Learning & Research Centre, York Hospital, York
| | - Rebecca Lawton
- Psychology of Healthcare, and NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | | | - Jane O’Hara
- Healthcare Quality and Safety
- Yorkshire Quality & Safety Research Group, School of Healthcare, Baines Wing, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Salvatore T. Dying by Suicide in Nursing Homes: A Preventable End of Life Outcome for Older Residents. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023; 88:20-37. [PMID: 34404260 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211038798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Suicide research and suicide prevention have given comparatively little attention to the older adult residents of nursing homes. This population is characterized by advanced age, significant infirmity, limited autonomy and social connections, and other factors associated with high suicide risk such as self-neglect. However, little is known of the actual incidence and prevalence of suicide in older adults in such residential care settings, partly because of how such deaths are reported. Suicide risk screenings are nominal, facility staff lack training to identify signs of suicidality, and suicide prevention programs are not common in the nursing home industry. These deficits can be remedied by increasing awareness among family members, facility caregivers, contracted providers, community aging services, accrediting and regulatory agencies, and residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Salvatore
- Montgomery County Emergency Service, Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States
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Sweeting P, Finlayson M, Hartz D. A comparison of inpatient suicides in Australian psychiatric and non-psychiatric hospital units between 2009 and 2018. Psychiatry Res 2023; 327:115363. [PMID: 37523885 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Hospitalisation is designed to protect patients from harm; however, patients have been reported to take their own lives during hospital admissions. While a significant healthcare concern, few studies have analysed inpatient suicides in general and psychiatric hospital units. Understanding these deaths is important for informing future prevention initiatives. Here we investigate a national sample (n = 367) of inpatient suicides in general (24%, n = 87) and psychiatric (76%, n = 278) hospital units. Patient characteristics, suicide location, timing, and suicide methods were assessed and compared. Patients who died from suicide were mostly male and admitted into psychiatric units. General hospital patients were less likely to have a known history of mental illness or previous self-harm and were often admitted for mental illness-related presentations. Suicides frequently occurred outside of the hospital by hanging. Patients in psychiatric units were more likely to be on approved leave at their death, and general patients were more likely to have absconded. These results indicate the need to identify risk factors relevant to each setting and address broader system-level factors. Removing obvious ligature points, preventing absconding, and assessing patients before episodes of leave, could contribute to preventing inpatient suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Sweeting
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Level 10, 815 George street, Haymarket, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Mary Finlayson
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Level 10, 815 George street, Haymarket, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donna Hartz
- College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Rex M, Brezicka T, Carlström E, Waern M, Ali L. Coexisting service-related factors preceding suicide: a network analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e050953. [PMID: 35450889 PMCID: PMC9024253 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The overall objective was to analyse service-related factors involved in the complex processes that precede suicide in order to identify potential targets for intervention. DESIGN AND SETTING Explorative network analysis study of post-suicide root cause analysis data from Swedish primary and secondary healthcare. PARTICIPANTS 217 suicide cases reported to the Swedish national root cause analysis database between 2012 and 2017. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES A total of 961 reported incidents were included. Demographic data and frequencies of reported deficiencies were registered. Topology, centrality indices and communities were explored for three networks. All networks have been tested for robustness and accuracy. RESULTS Lack of follow-up, evaluations and insufficient documentation issues emerged as central in the network of major themes, as did the contributing factors representing organisational problems, failing procedures and miscommunication. When analysing the subthemes of deficiencies more closely, disrupted treatments and staffing issues emerged as prominent features. The network covering the subthemes of contributing factors also highlighted discontinuity, fragile work structures, inadequate routines, and lack of resources and relevant competence as potential triggers. However, as the correlation stability coefficients for this network were low, the results need further investigation. Four communities were detected covering nodes for follow-up, evaluation, cooperation, and procedures; communication, documentation and organisation; assessments of suicide risk and psychiatric status; and staffing, missed appointments and declined treatment. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that healthcare providers may improve patient safety in suicide preventive pathways by taking active measures to provide regular follow-ups to patients with elevated suicide risk. In some cases, declined or cancelled appointments could be a warning sign. Tentative results show organisational instability, in terms of work structure, resources and staffing, as a potential target for intervention, although this must be more extensively explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Rex
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Affective Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Brezicka
- Department for Quality and Patient Safety, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eric Carlström
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Psychosis Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lilas Ali
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Affective Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Cooper SA, Szymanski BR, Karel MJ, Katz IR, McCarthy JF. Suicide among Veterans receiving Veterans Health Administration Home Based Primary Care and following discharge from Community Living Centers. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2021; 51:1055-1066. [PMID: 34333781 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Veterans who receive Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) services and those discharged from VHA Community Living Centers (CLC) may be at increased risk of suicide. No studies to date have assessed suicide risks among HBPC patients. This study examined suicide risks among recipients of VHA HBPC services and following discharge from VHA CLCs, as compared to other Veteran VHA users. METHODS We identified three cohorts of 2013 Veteran VHA patients: 47,842 HBPC users, 17,725 with live discharges from CLCs, and 5,554,635 other VHA users. Using proportional hazards regression, we assessed risk of suicide through 2016. RESULTS Overall, HBPC recipients did not differ from the other cohorts in suicide risk. Although in unadjusted analyses CLC discharged patients had greater suicide risk than the general VHA patient cohort (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.73, 95% confidence interval = 1.25-2.41), this became nonsignificant when controlling for diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Overall findings did not identify differential suicide risk among VHA HBPC recipients in 2013, when compared to other Veteran VHA patient cohorts. Veterans discharged from VHA CLCs have increased mental health morbidity, which was associated with increased suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Cooper
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource and Evaluation Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin R Szymanski
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource and Evaluation Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michele J Karel
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ira R Katz
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John F McCarthy
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Serious Mental Illness Treatment Resource and Evaluation Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Chai Y, Luo H, Yip PSF, Perlman CM, Hirdes JP. Factors Associated With Hospital Presentation of Self-Harm Among Older Canadians in Long-Term Care: A 12-Year Cohort Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:2160-2168.e18. [PMID: 33454310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the incidence of, and factors associated with, hospital presentation for self-harm among older Canadians in long-term care (LTC). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The LTC data were collected using Resident Assessment Instrument-Minimum Data Set (RAI-MDS) and Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC), and linked to the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) with hospital records of self-harm diagnosis. Adults aged 60+ at first assessment between April 1, 2003, and March 31, 2015, were included. METHODS Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of self-harm for potentially relevant factors, including demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics, were calculated using Fine & Gray competing risk models. RESULTS Records were collated of 465,870 people in long-term care facilities (LTCF), and 773,855 people receiving home care (HC). Self-harm incidence per 100,000 person-years was 20.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.31-25.40] for LTCF and 46.64 (44.24-49.12) for HC. In LTCF, the strongest risks were younger age (60-74 years vs 90+: HR, 6.00; 95% CI, 3.24-11.12), psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder: 3.46; 2.32-5.16; schizophrenia: 2.31; 1.47-3.62; depression: 2.29; 1.80-2.92), daily severe pain (2.01; 1.30-3.11), and daily tobacco consumption (1.78; 1.29-2.45). For those receiving HC, the strongest risk factors were younger age (60-74 years vs 90+: 2.54; 1.97-3.28), psychiatric disorders (2.20; 1.93-2.50), daily tobacco consumption (2.08; 1.81-2.39), and frequent falls (1.98; 1.46-2.68). All model interactions between setting and factors were significant. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There was lower incidence of hospital presentation for self-harm for LTCF residents than HC recipients. We found sizable risks of self-harm associated with several modifiable risk factors, some of which can be directly addressed by better treatment and care (psychiatric disorders and pain), whereas others require through more complex interventions that target underlying factors and causes (tobacco and falls). The findings highlight a need for setting- and risk-specific prevention strategies to address self-harm in the older populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chai
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Paul S F Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christopher M Perlman
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - John P Hirdes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Mills PD, Soncrant C, Gunnar W. Retrospective analysis of reported suicide deaths and attempts on veterans health administration campuses and inpatient units. BMJ Qual Saf 2020; 30:567-576. [PMID: 32820064 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-011312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the USA. Inpatient suicide is the fourth most common sentinel event reported to the Joint Commission. This study reviewed root cause analysis (RCA) reports of suicide events by hospital unit to provide suicide prevention recommendations for each area. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of reported suicide deaths and attempts in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals. We searched the VHA National Center for Patient Safety RCA database for suicide deaths and attempts on inpatient units, outpatient clinics and hospital grounds, between December 1999 and December 2018. RESULTS We found 847 RCA reports of suicide attempts (n=758) and deaths (n=89) in VHA hospitals, hanging accounted for 71% of deaths on mental health units and 50% of deaths on medical units. Overdose accounted for 55% of deaths and 68% of attempts in residential units and the only method resulting in death in emergency departments. In VHA community living centres, hanging, overdose and asphyxiation accounted for 64% of deaths. Gunshot accounted for 59% of deaths on hospital grounds and 100% of deaths in clinic areas. All inpatient locations cited issues in assessment and treatment of suicidal patients and environmental risk evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Inpatient mental health and medical units should remove anchor points for hanging where possible. On residential units and emergency departments, assessing suicide risk, conducting thorough contraband searches and maintaining observation of suicidal patients is critical. In community living centres, suicidal patients should be under supervision in an environment free of anchor points, medications and means of asphyxiation. Suicide prevention on hospital grounds and outpatient clinics can be achieved through the control of firearms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Mills
- National Center for Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - Christina Soncrant
- National Center for Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, White River Junction, Vermont, USA
| | - William Gunnar
- National Center for Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Lan X, Xiao H, Chen Y. Psychosocial reactions to relocation to a nursing home among Chinese older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 91:104230. [PMID: 32829084 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2020.104230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the psychosocial reactions to relocation to a nursing home from the perspective of older adults. METHOD This study applied a qualitative interview design. Narratives from 23 Chinese nursing home residents in a life review program in Fuzhou, China were recorded, transcribed into sentences, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The following psychosocial reactions to relocation to a nursing home emerged: fear, struggle, compromise, acceptance, and contribution. The fear resulted from negative labels attached to nursing homes, fear of disconnection to society, fear of difficulties in establishing new relationships, and fear of being abandoned by their families. The behaviors of 'struggle' were complaining about family members, thinking of returning home, praying for change, and taking action to leave. The keys to compromise were a choice between maintaining harmony in family relations and the companionship of relatives, a choice between professional care and family care, and a choice between the cost and effectiveness of family care and nursing home care. The process of acceptance included accepting life yet with worries, affirming the benefits of living in a nursing home, and embracing nursing home life. Contribution was mainly reflected in two aspects, a sense of ownership and bring into full play their self-worth. DISCUSSIONS This study generates new insights into knowledge on the psychosocial reactions to relocation to a nursing home. It provides both family members and nursing home staff with direction on how to ensure a smoother relocation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Lan
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Medical University Affiliated Clinical Medical Institute, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huimin Xiao
- School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, No. 1 Xuefu North Road, University Town, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Omissions of Care in Nursing Home Settings: A Narrative Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020; 21:604-614.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Barak Y. Suicide Ideation in US Nursing Homes: Institutional Freedom Versus Institutional Paternalism. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 28:299-301. [PMID: 31974035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoram Barak
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Otago University Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Athey A, Overholser J, Bagge C, Dieter L, Vallender E, Stockmeier CA. Risk-taking behaviors and stressors differentially predict suicidal preparation, non-fatal suicide attempts, and suicide deaths. Psychiatry Res 2018; 270:160-167. [PMID: 30253320 PMCID: PMC6292776 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Negative life events are elevated in suicidal populations. Diathesis-stress and kindling effects models suggest different mechanisms by which negative life events increase suicide risk. Different forms of negative life events - risk-taking behaviors and stressors - may have different effects on non-fatal suicide attempts and suicide. We assessed the effects of risk-taking behaviors and stressors on suicide, history of non-fatal suicide attempts, and active preparation for suicide in a sample of adults who died by suicide or other causes (N = 377). Psychological autopsy procedures using family member interviews and collateral record review were used to complete a risk-taking behaviors composite measure from the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders, the Modified Life Experiences Scale, and the planning subscale of the Suicide Intent Scale. Stressors were significantly associated with death by suicide, even when accounting for demographic and diagnostic characteristics. Risk-taking behaviors were significantly associated with non-fatal suicide attempts, even when accounting for demographic and diagnostic characteristics. Suicide decedents who did not actively prepare for suicide showed significantly higher risk-taking scores than suicide decedents who actively planned for suicide. Our results suggest that risk-taking behaviors and stressors impact suicide risk through separate mechanisms. Risk-taking behaviors may represent a longstanding vulnerability to act impulsively on suicidal thoughts. Stressors may impact risk for fatal suicidal behaviors in mood disordered populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Athey
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road Cleveland, OH 44106-7123, USA.
| | - James Overholser
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road Cleveland, OH 44106-7123, USA.
| | - Courtney Bagge
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
| | - Lesa Dieter
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road Cleveland, OH 44106-7123, USA.
| | - Eric Vallender
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
| | - Craig A. Stockmeier
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Bellflower Road Cleveland, OH 44106-7123, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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Andersson Å, Frank C, Willman AM, Sandman PO, Hansebo G. Factors contributing to serious adverse events in nursing homes. J Clin Nurs 2017; 27:e354-e362. [PMID: 28618102 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To identify the most common serious adverse events that occurred in nursing homes and their most frequent contributing factors to the improvement of safe nursing care. BACKGROUND There is a need to improve safe nursing care in nursing homes. Residents are often frail and vulnerable with extensive needs for nursing care. A relatively minor adverse event in nursing care can cause serious injury that could have been preventable. DESIGN This was a retrospective study, with a total sample of data regarding adverse events (n = 173) in nursing homes, concerning nursing care reported by healthcare providers in Sweden to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate. The reports were analysed with content analysis, and the frequencies of the adverse events, and their contributing factors, were described with descriptive statistics. RESULTS Medication errors, falls, delayed or inappropriate intervention and missed nursing care contributed to the vast majority (89%) of the serious adverse events. A total of 693 possible contributing factors were identified. The most common contributing factors were (i) lack of competence, (ii) incomplete or lack of documentation, (iii) teamwork failure and (iv) inadequate communication. CONCLUSIONS The contributing factors frequently interacted yet they varied between different groups of serious adverse events. The resident's safety depends on the availability of staff's competence as well as adequate documentation about the resident's condition. Lack of competence was underestimated by healthcare providers. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Registered nurses and assistant nurses need to have awareness of contributing factors to adverse events in nursing care. A holistic approach to improve patient safety in nursing homes requires competence of the staff, safe environments as well as resident's and relative's participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Andersson
- Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Catharina Frank
- Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ania Ml Willman
- Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Sandman
- Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Corwin GS, Mills PD, Shanawani H, Hemphill RR. Root Cause Analysis of ICU Adverse Events in the Veterans Health Administration. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2017; 43:580-590. [PMID: 29056178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ICUs' provision of complex care for critically ill patients results in an environment with a high potential for adverse events. A study was conducted to characterize adverse events in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) ICUs that underwent root cause analysis (RCA) and to identify the root causes and their recommended actions. METHODS This retrospective observational study of RCA reports concerned events that occurred in VHA ICUs or as a result of ICU processes from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2014. The type of event, root causes, and recommended actions were measured. RESULTS Some 70 eligible RCAs were identified in 47 of the 120 facilities with an ICU in the VHA system. Delays in care (30.0%) and medication errors (28.6%) were the most common types of events. There were 152 root causes and 277 recommended actions. Root causes often involved rules, policies, and procedure processes (28.3%), equipment/supply issues (15.8%), and knowledge deficits/education (15.1%). Common actions recommended were policy, procedure, and process actions (34.4%) and training/education actions (31.4%). Of the actions implemented, 84.4% had a reported effectiveness of "much better" or "better." CONCLUSION ICU adverse events often had several root causes, with protocols and process-of-care issues as root causes regardless of event type. Actions often included standardization of processes and training/education. Several recommendations can be made that may improve patient safety in the ICU, such as standardization of care process, implementation of team training programs, and simulation-based training.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying patient safety priorities in mental healthcare is an emerging issue. A variety of aspects of patient safety in medical care apply for patient safety in mental care as well. However, specific aspects may be different as a consequence of special characteristics of patients, setting and treatment. The aim of the present study was to combine knowledge from the field and research and bundle existing initiatives and projects to define patient safety priorities in mental healthcare in Switzerland. The present study draws on national expert panels, namely, round-table discussion and modified Delphi consensus method. DESIGN As preparation for the modified Delphi questionnaire, two round-table discussions and one semistructured questionnaire were conducted. Preparative work was conducted between May 2015 and October 2015. The modified Delphi was conducted to gauge experts' opinion on priorities in patient safety in mental healthcare in Switzerland. In two independent rating rounds, experts made private ratings. The modified Delphi was conducted in winter 2015. RESULTS Nine topics were defined along the treatment pathway: diagnostic errors, non-drug treatment errors, medication errors, errors related to coercive measures, errors related to aggression management against self and others, errors in treatment of suicidal patients, communication errors, errors at interfaces of care and structural errors. CONCLUSIONS Patient safety is considered as an important topic of quality in mental healthcare among experts, but it has been seriously neglected up until now. Activities in research and in practice are needed. Structural errors and diagnostics were given highest priority. From the topics identified, some are overlapping with important aspects of patient safety in medical care; however, some core aspects are unique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David L B Schwappach
- Patient Safety Switzerland, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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