Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
08:36
Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Adjuvant Efficacy and Safety of Angong Niuhuang Pill in Viral Encephalitis Treatment
Published on: April 19, 2024
1.3K
The application of the Global Trigger Tool: a systematic review
Peter D Hibbert1,2, Charlotte J Molloy1,2, Tamara D Hooper1,2
1Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
Summary
The Global Trigger Tool (GTT) is a flexible method for identifying adverse events (AEs). Its application varies, and AE rates should not be compared across studies due to methodological differences.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Quality and Safety
- Medical Record Analysis
- Patient Safety Research
Background:
- The Global Trigger Tool (GTT) has been utilized since 2003 for identifying adverse events (AEs).
- Understanding the tool's application and limitations is crucial for accurate patient safety assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the evolution, modifications, and applications of the GTT since its inception.
- To summarize findings on counting and characterizing AEs using the GTT.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed literature up to December 2014.
- Data extraction by two authors following PRISMA guidelines.
- Analysis of 48 studies from 16 countries, including inpatient and general practice records.
Main Results:
- Most studies used inpatient medical records; variations in GTT protocol adherence were common.
- 'Acts of omission' were included in a quarter of studies.
- AE detection rates varied significantly (7%-40%), with infections, surgical issues, and medication errors being most frequent.
Conclusions:
- The GTT is adaptable but methodological variations lead to disparate AE rates.
- Direct comparison of AE rates between institutions or studies is not recommended.
- Enhancements like including 'omission' AEs and preventability scores are suggested to better characterize AEs.
