Origami Risk: The Hidden Dangers of Underreporting Patient Safety Events

Even seemingly minor events have the potential to result in grave harm, highlighting the importance of standardizing safety efforts across large health systems. In fact, the ECRI Institute listed 'standardizing safety efforts across large health systems' as one of the top 10 patient safety concerns for 2019.

The consequences of any issue that negatively impacts patient safety event reporting are far-reaching, affecting not only patients but also every person associated with a hospital or health system. The biggest issue may come after reporting, where hospitals fail to share or apply healthcare analytics in a way that positively impacts the quality of care provided and makes staff feel a part of something bigger.

In other instances, the reporting process may be so convoluted and time-consuming that despite good intentions, staff is discouraged from doing so. Hospital staff may fear repercussions from reporting safety events, which can lead to underreporting and a lack of transparency in patient safety incidents.

The issue runs deeper than just a busy schedule or life-or-death situations being a part of daily life in hospitals. According to a 2008 study, only 13% have broad staff involvement in reporting adverse events. This limited participation not only affects the quality of care but also hinders the ability to collect and analyze data crucial for preventing future incidents and improving patient safety.

The importance of collecting and analyzing this data cannot be overstated. Only by understanding the root causes of patient safety events can hospitals develop effective strategies to prevent them from occurring in the first place. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and collaboration, healthcare organizations can work towards creating a safer environment for patients and staff alike.

At Origami Risk, we believe that patient safety is everyone's responsibility, and it starts with reporting incidents accurately and consistently. Our platform provides hospitals and health systems with the tools they need to track, analyze, and mitigate patient safety risks, ensuring that every person associated with a hospital or health system has access to accurate information to make informed decisions about patient care.

By working together to prioritize patient safety, we can reduce the risk of adverse events and create a safer environment for everyone involved.

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