SUMMARY
Setting
Electronic reporting systems are important components of the patient-safety movement but have been problematic particularly in capturing information from physicians.
Objective
In an attempt to increase error reporting in our community hospital residency program, we devised a convenient safety log integrated into the computerized resident-patient sign-out.
Measurements and Main Results
Safety-log events are discussed in weekly safety reports with emphasis on developing a safety culture and preventing further events. We report our experience implementing the safety log. The program quadrupled our contribution to the hospital quality assurance system and has led to significant system innovations. Challenges have included sharing information and improving accountability without humiliating participants or alienating co-workers, as well as sustaining the project over time.
Conclusion
Residents are uniquely placed to provide insight into hospital systems. An error-reporting system based in a resident sign-out can leverage this role into an important tool for safety education and care improvement.
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Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Clair Francomano, MD, and the 2006–2007 house staff at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Baltimore, MD, USA.
Financial Disclosures
None.
Conflict of Interest
Paul N. Foster, MD FACP, none disclosed Dhruv A. Gadhia, MD, none disclosed Michele DeMusis, MD, FACP none disclosed Runa Sidhu, MD, none disclosed.
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Foster, P.N., Sidhu, R., Gadhia, D.A. et al. Leveraging Computerized Sign-Out to Increase Error Reporting and Addressing Patient Safety in Graduate Medical Education. J GEN INTERN MED 23, 481–484 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-007-0503-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-007-0503-y