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Measuring Errors and Adverse Events in Health Care
Article first published online: 17 JAN 2003
DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20147.x
1525-1497/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=4a710b4daf160c92826e7423b0018dd67da34f4e "Journal of General Internal Medicine")
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How to Cite
Thomas, E. J. and Petersen, L. A. (2003), Measuring Errors and Adverse Events in Health Care. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 18: 61–67. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2003.20147.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 17 JAN 2003
- Article first published online: 17 JAN 2003
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- medical error;
- adverse events;
- patient safety;
- measurement
In this paper, we identify 8 methods used to measure errors and adverse events in health care and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. We focus on the reliability and validity of each, as well as the ability to detect latent errors (or system errors) versus active errors and adverse events. We propose a general framework to help health care providers, researchers, and administrators choose the most appropriate methods to meet their patient safety measurement goals.