Electronic clinical safety reporting system: a benefits evaluation

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Patient Safety
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Eastern Health implemented an electronic clinical safety reporting system (CSRS) to replace a paper-based system.
• The CSRS aimed to enhance reporting of patient safety incidents like falls, medication errors, and close calls.
• The project was a joint initiative funded by Eastern Health and Canada Health Infoway.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the CSRS in achieving its objectives, focusing on benefits and lessons learned.
• To identify contributions to the field of electronic clinical safety reporting.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods evaluation approach was employed.
• Data collection involved stakeholder participation, pre/post comparative design, and triangulation from various sources including surveys and interviews.
• Project documentation and occurrence reporting records were also analyzed.

Main Results:

• Frontline staff and managers supported the CSRS, reporting increased incident reporting and faster notification times.
• User satisfaction was high regarding ease of use, accessibility, and consistency.
• Implementation challenges included software customization and classification system development, impacting timely file closure.

Conclusions:

• The electronic CSRS demonstrated significant benefits for improving clinical safety and was preferred over the paper-based system.
• Lessons learned informed system rollout within Eastern Health and other provincial healthcare organizations.
• The study provided valuable insights for the broader field of electronic safety reporting.