Increased patient safety with an Internet-based reporting system

Abstract

An efficient, goal-directed and positive approach allows learning from medical errors. The systematic analysis of patient safety incidents increases initiative and innovation in problem solving. In Finland, a nationally implemented Internet-based, voluntary reporting system provides a tool for the development of patient safety. The system is used by over 40 health care organisations. Vaasa Hospital District includes over 100 units and 3500 employees from specialty wards to primary care clinics and ambulances. All employees may submit reports which are processed by the chief medical officer and head nurse of each unit. The processing officers are able to intervene immediately to problems underlying a patient safety incident immediately. Classifying incidents according to an agreed structure creates an electronic database that serves as a tool for hospital management. The strength of an Internet-based reporting system is its simplicity and usability. It can help in promoting safety culture in health care.