Incident Report: Between the Shadows of Obligation and Formality

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Incident reports are the primary data source for monitoring patient safety in the hospital. Monitoring of these reports determines the success of managing safety-related incidents as an effort to improve patient care. Hospital staff plays an essential role in the management of incident reports. Each staff member has a role in managing incident reports.

AIM: This article aimed to explore the role of hospital staff in the incident reporting process.

METHODS: This qualitative research used an exploratory approach. The research informants were three doctors, 21 nurses, one pharmacist, and two computer administrators. Data were collected using interviews and observations of incident reporting implementation. The research data were analyzed with the qualitative analysis software Atlas.ti.

RESULTS: Report management is not done solely for the formality of achieving the target. Implementation of regulations for report management is also done by all hospital staff to prioritize discipline, honesty, and responsibility according to their roles. Staff is expected to report adverse or dangerous events (incidents) that could affect patient safety. The reporting coordinator is responsible for the report’s completeness. Heads of participation room are expected to validate reports. The patient safety team is in charge of analyzing and providing feedback. Supportive attitudes from the board of directors are needed to create a reporting culture. There are several barriers to reporting management, including management support factors, facilities, and an effective feedback system.

CONCLUSION: Leaders need to develop staff who focus on discipline, honesty, and responsibility in providing services to patients by prioritizing patient safety. All staff is involved in managing incident reports by playing an active role in following their duties.