Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic (starting early 2020) presented challenges in healthcare delivery, with ongoing reports of adverse events and patient satisfaction surveys.
• No prior studies in France specifically analyzed the pandemic's impact on adverse events and patient satisfaction.
• Understanding these impacts is crucial for improving patient care and safety during health crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics of adverse events in French hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess the impact of the pandemic on patient satisfaction.
• To provide insights into patient experiences and caregiver resilience during the crisis.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative and observational retrospective study utilizing the REX and MCO48 databases.
• Quantitative analysis of the REX database.
• Qualitative analysis of reported adverse event declarations.

Main Results:

• Adverse events predominantly affected middle-aged men (around 60 years); deaths occurred in older patients with complex conditions.
• First-wave events were more urgent, less frequent in operating rooms, and less preventable than second-wave events.
• Patient satisfaction scores, including medical and paramedical care, increased, potentially due to solidarity with caregivers.

Conclusions:

• Effective barrier measures and communication reduced the impact of the second wave on adverse events.
• Patient solidarity and caregiver resilience were vital for risk management during the pandemic.
• Collaborative processes established during the crisis should be leveraged for future healthcare improvements.