[Risk management in the emergency department : example of a pragmatic tool]

Risk is an inherent part of clinical practice, particularly in emergency departments. A well-managed clinical risk management strategy must therefore be an integral part of our practice. Several risk management methods have been described, including the FMECA (Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis), which is based on the frequency, severity, and detectability of risks. These methods can then be applied within a hospital department to improve practices and safety, as was the case at the short-term hospitalization unit of Neuchâtel Hospital, which we discuss in this article.