Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Safety Status in a Medical Centre: Experience from Implementing Standard Safety System

Abstract

Background: An accident is an unforeseen occurrence that happens in all organs, including medical centers, due to unsafe conditions and practices which cause damage and sometimes irreparable injuries. Establishing safety system in the medical center seek to prevent harm to both patients and health care professionals. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess safety status in a medical center before and after implementing standard safety system. Materials & Methods: This case-study was carried out among the staff of a hospital in Guilan province, Iran in 2018-2019. The information was collected through observation and interview with staff and checking the observance of instructions and safety tips. Then, the possibility of needle stick injury was identified by calculating accident indices. human errors were assessed using risk assessment using Systematic human error reduction and prediction approach (SHERPA). Results: A total of 9 departments of a selected hospital were studied and the accident and human errors were identified. The recurrence rate of the accident in 2019 compared to 2018 had a decreasing rate from 11.36 to 4.09 (safe_T_score=-3.14). Risk assessment using SHERPA method in the gynecology ward revealed 4 important types of errors in this department. Conclusion: There was considerable reduction in frequency and severity of needle stick injuries after establishment of safety system in the hospital. The SHERPA method, detailed the task errors and specific remedial measure to correct the task. The results of this study can be helpful for medical staff, managers, employers, and safety experts in identifying and preventing the causes of the accident.

Keywords

• hospital
• accident indices
• risk assessment
• human errors.