Perioperative Patient Safety: A Multisite Qualitative Analysis

ABSTRACT
• THIS STUDY WAS UNDERTAKEN to identify specific events that affected patient safety in perioperative service areas during a three-year period.
• THE THREE MOST COMMON TYPES of reported incidents were incorrect counts, equipment malfunction, and medication errors. Data revealed significant disparities between health care facilities regarding what types of incidents were reported.
• STANDARDIZED LANGUAGE and reporting mechanisms would aid in the consistency and validity of current incident reporting and could help to improve perioperative patient safety.