An entity, often independent or affiliated with healthcare institutions, dedicated to improving patient safety and healthcare quality by collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on adverse events and near misses.

Adverse Event:

An unintended harm to a patient resulting from medical care, treatment, or the lack thereof, prompting investigation and analysis to prevent future occurrences.

Near Miss:

An event that could have resulted in harm to a patient but did not, providing valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities in healthcare processes and systems.

Patient Safety Culture:

The values, beliefs, and practices within a healthcare organization that prioritize and promote patient safety, fostering a collaborative and proactive approach to risk reduction.

Event Reporting System:

A structured mechanism within healthcare organizations and PSOs for staff to report adverse events, near misses, and unsafe conditions, contributing to a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA):

A structured investigation process aimed at identifying the underlying causes of adverse events or near misses, with the goal of implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Learning Health System:

A healthcare organization or network that actively integrates data, insights, and experiences from patient care to continuously improve processes and enhance patient safety.

Quality Improvement (QI):

Systematic efforts to enhance healthcare processes, outcomes, and patient safety, often involving the use of data and evidence-based practices to drive positive change.

Patient Safety Reporting System:

A comprehensive system that includes mechanisms for reporting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to patient safety incidents within a healthcare organization or PSO.

Safety Culture Survey:

A tool used to assess the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare staff regarding patient safety within an organization, providing valuable feedback for improvement initiatives.