By Greg Freeman
When investigating adverse events, it is important for each team member to understand their roles, says Julie Siemers, DNP, MSN, RN, a patient safety advocate and consultant in Washington, DC.
The investigation team should include individuals with diverse expertise to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased review, she says. Siemers recommends these participants and responsibilities:
- Patient safety officer: Expert in safety measures and changes that can be made to the system.
- Risk manager: Makes sure that the investigation is consistent with legal and regulatory standards.
- Clinical staff involved: Has direct knowledge of the event (but should not conduct the investigation to avoid prejudice).
- Subject matter experts: Includes specialists in the area of care where the event occurred. In our example, nurses with an operating room specialty background and anesthesiologists are extremely important to give expert perspectives.
- Quality improvement professionals: Assist in translating the findings into safety improvement recommendations that should be integrated into organizational procedures.
- Leadership representative: To guarantee that the organization is willing to support and implement the recommended strategies intended to improve the safety culture and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Source
- Julie Siemers, DNP, MSN, RN, Washington, DC. Telephone: (702) 426-3888. Email: [email protected].
Greg Freeman has worked with Relias Media and its predecessor companies since 1989, moving from assistant staff writer to executive editor before becoming a freelance writer. He has been the editor of Healthcare Risk Management since 1992 and provides research and content for other Relias Media products. In addition to his work with Relias Media, Greg provides other freelance writing services and is the author of seven narrative nonfiction books on wartime experiences and other historical events.
When investigating adverse events, it is important for each team member to understand their roles.
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