Occurrence and preventability of adverse events in hospitals: a retrospective study

to analyze the incidence of preventable adverse events related to health care in adult patients admitted to public hospitals in Brazil.

observational, analytical, retrospective study based on medical records review.

medical records from 370 patients were evaluated, 58 of whom had at least one adverse event. The incidence of adverse events corresponded to 15.7%. Adverse events were predominantly related to healthcare-related infection (47.1%) and procedures (24.5%). Regarding the adverse event severity, 13.7% were considered mild, 51.0% moderate, and 35.3% severe. 99% of adverse events were classified as preventable. Patients admitted to the emergency room had a 3.73 times higher risk for adverse events.

this study's results indicate a high incidence of avoidable adverse events and highlight the need for interventions in care practice.