Towards an International Classification for Patient Safety: the conceptual framework

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Health Informatics
• Medical Classification Systems

Background:

• Lack of a uniform patient safety classification hinders risk reduction strategies, evidence-based research, and policy evaluation.
• Global patient safety advancements are impeded by fragmented data and inconsistent terminology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an International Classification for Patient Safety (ICPS) for a standardized approach to patient safety information.
• To facilitate aggregation, analysis, and learning across disciplines, borders, and time.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary expert drafting group defined key patient safety concepts.
• An internationally agreed conceptual framework was developed based on existing classifications.
• Iterative refinement through expert meetings and a two-stage modified Delphi survey of over 250 international experts.

Main Results:

• A conceptual framework for the ICPS was established, comprising ten high-level classes.
• The framework includes categories such as incident type, patient outcomes, contributing factors, and mitigating actions.
• The classification aims to transform disparate patient safety information into a common format.

Conclusions:

• The conceptual framework for the ICPS is established, but further development is needed.
• Key remaining challenges include defining concepts, providing usage guidance, and conducting real-world testing.
• The ICPS requires progressive refinement to ensure its fitness for purpose in enhancing global patient safety.