Web-based hazard and near-miss reporting as part of a patient safety curriculum

As part of a patient safety curriculum, we developed a Web-based hazard and near-miss reporting system for postbaccalaureate nursing students to use during their clinical experiences in the first year of their combined BS-MS advanced practice nurse program. The 25-week clinical rotations included 2 days per week for 5 weeks each in community, medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric settings. During a 3-year period, 453 students made 21,276 reports. Of the 10,206 positive (yes) responses to a hazard or near miss, 6,005 hazards (59%) and 4,200 near misses (41%) were reported. The most common reports were related to infection, medication, environmental, fall, and equipment issues. Of the near misses, 1,996 (48%) had planned interceptions and 2,240 (52%) had unplanned interceptions. Types of hazards and near misses varied by rotation. Incorporating hazard and near-miss reporting into the patient safety curriculum was an innovative strategy to promote mindfulness among nursing students.