Maternal near miss among women admitted in major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Since maternal mortality is a rare event, maternal near miss has been used as a proxy indicator for measuring maternal health. Maternal near miss (MNM) refers to a woman who nearly died but survived of complications during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. Although study of MNM in Ethiopia is becoming common, it is limited to public facilities leaving private facilities aside. The objective of this study was to assess MNM among women admitted in major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution based retrospective study was conducted from March 05 to 31, 2020 in two major private hospitals in Harar and Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. The records of all women who were admitted during pregnancy, delivery or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy was reviewed for the presence of MNM criteria as per the sub-Saharan African MNM criteria. Descriptive analysis was done by computing proportion, ratio and means. Factors associated with MNM were assessed using binary logistic regression with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) along with its 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of 1214 pregnant or postpartum women receiving care between January 09, 2019 and February 08, 2020, 111 women developed life-threatening conditions: 108 MNM and 3 maternal deaths. In the same period, 1173 live births were registered, resulting in an MNM ratio of 92.1 per 1000 live births. Anemia in the index pregnancy (aOR: 5.03; 95%CI: 3.12-8.13), having chronic hypertension (aOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.57-6.26), no antenatal care (aOR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.58-5.83), being > 35 years old (aOR: 2.29; 95%CI: 1.22-4.29), and previous cesarean section (aOR: 4.48; 95% CI: 2.67-7.53) were significantly associated with MNM. CONCLUSIONS: Close to a tenth of women admitted to major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia developed MNM. Women with anemia, history of cesarean section, and old age should be prioritized for preventing and managing MNM. Strengthening antenatal care and early screening of chronic conditions including hypertension is essential for preventing MNM.

Temporal trend of near miss and its regional variations in Brazil from 2010 to 2018 / Tendência temporal do near miss e suas variações regionais no Brasil de 2010 a 2018

Abstract Cases of maternal near miss are those in which women survive severe maternal complications during pregnancy or the puerperium. This ecological study aimed to identify the temporal trend of near-miss cases in different regions of Brazil between 2010 and 2018, using data fromtheHospital Information System(HIS) of theUnified BrazilianHealth System (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym). Hospital admission records of women between 10 and 49 years old with diagnosis included in the 10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) and codes indicating nearmiss events were selected. From 20,891,040 admissions due to obstetric causes, 766,249 (3.66%) near-miss cases were identified, and 31,475 women needed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The cases were found to be more predominant in black women over 35 years old from the North and Northeast regions. There was a trend of increase in near-miss rates of ~ 13.5% a year during the period of the study. The trend presented a different behavior depending on the level of development of the region studied. The main causes of near miss were preeclampsia (47%), hemorrhage (24%), and sepsis (18%).

Resumo Casos de near miss materna são aqueles em que as mulheres sobrevivem a graves complicações maternas durante a gravidez ou o puerpério. Este estudo ecológico teve comoobjetivo identificar a tendência temporal de casos de near missemdiferentes regiões do Brasil entre 2010 e 2018, utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Foram selecionados registros de internação demulheres entre 10 e 49 anos comdiagnóstico incluído na 10ª revisão daClassificação Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde (CID-10) e códigos indicando eventos de near miss. Das 20.891.040 internações por causas obstétricas, 766.249 (3,66%) casos de near miss foram identificados, e 31.475mulheres necessitaramde internação na unidade de terapia intensive (UTI). Constatou-sequeos casos sãomaispredominantesemmulheres negras commais de 35 anos da região Norte e Nordeste. Houve uma tendência de aumento nas taxas de near miss de aproximadamente 13,5% ao ano durante o período do estudo. A tendência apresentou um comportamento diferente, dependendo do nível de desenvolvimento da região estudada. As principais causas de near miss foram pré-eclâmpsia (47%), hemorragia (24%), e sepse (18%).

Temporal Trend of Near Miss and its Regional Variations in Brazil from 2010 to 2018.

Cases of maternal near miss are those in which women survive severe maternal complications during pregnancy or the puerperium. This ecological study aimed to identify the temporal trend of near-miss cases in different regions of Brazil between 2010 and 2018, using data from the Hospital Information System (HIS) of the Unified Brazilian Health System (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym). Hospital admission records of women between 10 and 49 years old with diagnosis included in the 10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) and codes indicating near-miss events were selected. From 20,891,040 admissions due to obstetric causes, 766,249 (3.66%) near-miss cases were identified, and 31,475 women needed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The cases were found to be more predominant in black women over 35 years old from the North and Northeast regions. There was a trend of increase in near-miss rates of ∼ 13.5% a year during the period of the study. The trend presented a different behavior depending on the level of development of the region studied. The main causes of near miss were preeclampsia (47%), hemorrhage (24%), and sepsis (18%).

Casos de near miss materna são aqueles em que as mulheres sobrevivem a graves complicações maternas durante a gravidez ou o puerpério. Este estudo ecológico teve como objetivo identificar a tendência temporal de casos de near miss em diferentes regiões do Brasil entre 2010 e 2018, utilizando dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Foram selecionados registros de internação de mulheres entre 10 e 49 anos com diagnóstico incluído na 10ª revisão da Classificação Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde (CID-10) e códigos indicando eventos de near miss. Das 20.891.040 internações por causas obstétricas, 766.249 (3,66%) casos de near miss foram identificados, e 31.475 mulheres necessitaram de internação na unidade de terapia intensive (UTI). Constatou-se que os casos são mais predominantes em mulheres negras com mais de 35 anos da região Norte e Nordeste. Houve uma tendência de aumento nas taxas de near miss de aproximadamente 13,5% ao ano durante o período do estudo. A tendência apresentou um comportamento diferente, dependendo do nível de desenvolvimento da região estudada. As principais causas de near miss foram pré-eclâmpsia (47%), hemorragia (24%), e sepse (18%).

Prenatal care in the Brazilian public health services.

OBJECTIVE: To verify regional inequalities regarding access and quality of prenatal and birth care in Brazilian public health services and associated perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Birth in Brazil was a national hospital-based survey conducted between 2011 and 2012, which included 19,117 women with public-funded births. Regional differences in socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, as well as differences in access and quality of prenatal and birth care were tested by the χ2 test. The following outcomes were assessed: spontaneous preterm birth, provider-initiated preterm birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, Apgar in the 5th min < 8, neonatal and maternal near miss. Multiple and non-conditional logistic regressions were used for the analysis of the associated perinatal outcomes, with the results expressed in adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Regional inequalities regarding access and quality of prenatal and birth care among users of public services are still evident in Brazil. Pilgrimage for birth associated with all perinatal outcomes studied, except for intrauterine growth restriction. The odds ratios ranged between 1.48 (95%CI 1.23-1.78) for neonatal near miss and 1.62 (95%CI 1.27-2.06) for provider-initiated preterm birth. Among women with clinical or obstetric complications, pilgrimage for birth associated with provider-initiated preterm birth and with Apgar in the 5th min < 8, odds ratio of 1.98 (95%CI 1.49-2.65) and 2.19 (95%CI 1.31-3.68), respectively. Inadequacy of prenatal care associated with spontaneous preterm birth in both groups of women, with or without clinical or obstetric complications. CONCLUSION: Improvements in the quality of prenatal care, appropriate coordination and comprehensive care at the time of birth have a potential to reduce prematurity rates and, consequently, infant morbidity and mortality rates in the country.

Swedish national survey on MR safety compared with CT: a false sense of security?

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to survey MR safety incidents in Sweden during a 12-month period, to assess severity scores, and to evaluate the confidence of MR personnel in incident-reporting mechanisms. METHOD: Data were collected within a web-based questionnaire on safety in clinical MR environments with CT for comparison. Data reported MR and CT safety incidents (human injury, material damage, and close calls), incident severity, and confidence of participants in incident-reporting systems. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 529 eligible participants. Participants reported 200 MR and 156 CT safety incidents. Among MR incidents, 16% were given the highest potential severity score. More MR workers (73%) than CT workers (50%) were confident in being aware of any incident occurring at their workplace. However, 69% MR workers (83% for CT) were not aware of reported incidents at their hospitals. CONCLUSION: Safety incidents resulting in human injury, material damage, and close calls in clinical MR environments do occur. According to national risk assessment recommendations, risk level is high. Results indicated that MR personnel tend to a false sense of security, as a high proportion of staff members were sure that they would have been aware of any incident occurring in their own department, while in reality, incidents did occur without their knowledge. We conclude that false sense of security exists for MR. KEY POINTS: • Safety incidents in clinical MR environments still result in human injury and material damage. • Severity level of MR incidents-assessed using Swedish national risk assessment recommendations-is high. • Confidence of MR personnel in incident-reporting mechanisms is high, but reflects a false sense of security, as a high proportion of staff is unaware of reported incidents in the same workplace.

Factors associated with neonatal near miss in Brazil / Fatores associados ao near miss neonatal no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the association between sociodemographic factors, maternal characteristics, organization of health services and neonatal near miss in public and private maternity hospitals in Brazil. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort of live births from the Nascer no Brasil survey, carried out between 2011 and 2012. Variables were established from the literature and organized on three levels: distal, intermediate, and proximal. The assessment was performed based on results of the bivariate analyzes and their respective p-values, with a significance level <0.20, using the Wald test. For multivariate analysis, the variables contained at the distal level were inserted, preserved in the model when significant (p < 0.05). This was also done when adjusting the intermediate and proximal levels. RESULTS: At the distal level, no variable was significantly associated with the outcome. At the intermediate level, mother's age greater than or equal to 35 years (relative risk - RR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.04-1.66), cesarean delivery (RR = 1.34; 95%CI 1.07-1.67), smoking (RR = 1.48; 95%CI 1.04-2.10), gestational hypertensive syndrome (RR = 2.29; 95%CI 1.98-3.14), pre-gestational diabetes (RR = 2.63; 95%CI 1.36-5.05) and twin pregnancy (RR = 2.98; 95%CI 1.90-4.68) were variables associated with the outcome. At the proximal level, inadequate prenatal care (RR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.36-2.16) and the hospital/maternity being located in a capital city (RR = 1.89; 95%CI 1.40-2.55) were associated with neonatal near miss. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that neonatal near miss was influenced by variables related to the organization of health services and by maternal characteristics.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Este estudo avalia a associação entre fatores sociodemográficos, características maternas, organização dos serviços de saúde e near miss neonatal em maternidades públicas e privadas do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma coorte prospectiva de nascidos vivos da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil, realizada entre 2011 e 2012. As variáveis foram estabelecidas a partir da literatura e organizadas em três níveis: distal, intermediário e proximal. A avaliação foi realizada a partir dos resultados das análises bivariadas e de seus respectivos valores-p, com nível de significância < 0,20, pelo teste de Wald. Para a análise multivariada, foram inseridas as variáveis contidas no nível distal, conservadas no modelo quando significativas (p < 0,05). O mesmo foi feito no ajuste dos níveis intermediário e proximal. RESULTADOS: No nível distal, nenhuma variável apresentou associação significativa com o desfecho. No nível intermediário, idade da mãe maior ou igual a 35 anos (risco relativo - RR = 1,32; IC95% 1,04-1,66), parto cesáreo (RR = 1,34; IC95% 1,07-1,67), uso de fumo (RR = 1,48; IC95% 1,04-2,10), síndrome hipertensiva gestacional (RR = 2,29; IC95% 1,98-3,14), diabetes pré-gestacional (RR = 2,63; IC95% 1,36-5,05) e gestação gemelar (RR = 2,98; IC95% 1,90-4,68) foram variáveis associadas ao desfecho. No nível proximal, o pré-natal não adequado (RR = 1,71; IC95% 1,36-2,16) e a localização do hospital/maternidade na capital (RR = 1,89; IC95% 1,40-2,55) foram associados ao near miss neonatal. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados mostram que o near miss neonatal foi influenciado pelas variáveis da organização dos serviços de saúde e pelas características maternas.

Prenatal care in the Brazilian public health services / Assistência pré-natal na rede pública do Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To verify regional inequalities regarding access and quality of prenatal and birth care in Brazilian public health services and associated perinatal outcomes METHODS Birth in Brazil was a national hospital-based survey conducted between 2011 and 2012, which included 19,117 women with public-funded births. Regional differences in socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, as well as differences in access and quality of prenatal and birth care were tested by the χ2 test. The following outcomes were assessed: spontaneous preterm birth, provider-initiated preterm birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, Apgar in the 5th min < 8, neonatal and maternal near miss. Multiple and non-conditional logistic regressions were used for the analysis of the associated perinatal outcomes, with the results expressed in adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Regional inequalities regarding access and quality of prenatal and birth care among users of public services are still evident in Brazil. Pilgrimage for birth associated with all perinatal outcomes studied, except for intrauterine growth restriction. The odds ratios ranged between 1.48 (95%CI 1.23-1.78) for neonatal near miss and 1.62 (95%CI 1.27-2.06) for provider-initiated preterm birth. Among women with clinical or obstetric complications, pilgrimage for birth associated with provider-initiated preterm birth and with Apgar in the 5th min < 8, odds ratio of 1.98 (95%CI 1.49-2.65) and 2.19 (95%CI 1.31-3.68), respectively. Inadequacy of prenatal care associated with spontaneous preterm birth in both groups of women, with or without clinical or obstetric complications. CONCLUSION Improvements in the quality of prenatal care, appropriate coordination and comprehensive care at the time of birth have a potential to reduce prematurity rates and, consequently, infant morbidity and mortality rates in the country.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Verificar desigualdades regionais no acesso e na qualidade da atenção ao pré-natal e ao parto nos serviços públicos de saúde no Brasil e a sua associação com a saúde perinatal. MÉTODOS Nascer no Brasil foi uma pesquisa nacional de base hospitalar realizada entre 2011 e 2012, que incluiu 19.117 mulheres com pagamento público do parto. Diferenças regionais nas características sociodemográficas e obstétricas, bem como as diferenças no acesso e qualidade do pré-natal e parto foram testadas pelo teste do χ2. Foram avaliados os desfechos: prematuridade espontânea, prematuridade iniciada por intervenção obstétrica, baixo peso ao nascer, crescimento intrauterino restrito, Apgar no 5º min < 8, near miss neonatal e near miss materno. Para a análise dos desfechos perinatais associados, foram utilizadas regressões logísticas múltiplas e não condicionais, com resultados expressos em odds ratio ajustada e intervalo de confiança de 95%. RESULTADOS As desigualdades regionais ainda são evidentes no Brasil, no que diz respeito ao acesso e qualidade do atendimento pré-natal e ao parto entre as usuárias dos serviços públicos. A peregrinação para o parto se associou a todos os desfechos perinatais estudados, exceto para crescimento intrauterino restrito. As odds ratios variaram de 1,48 (IC95% 1,23-1,78) para near miss neonatal a 1,62 (IC95% 1,27-2,06) para prematuridade iniciada por intervenção obstétrica. Entre as mulheres com alguma complicação clínica ou obstétrica, a peregrinação se associou ainda mais com a prematuridade iniciada por intervenção e com Apgar no 5º min < 8, odds ratio de 1,98 (IC95% 1,49-2,65) e 2,19 (IC95% 1,31-3,68), respectivamente. A inadequação do pré-natal se associou à prematuridade espontânea em ambos os grupos de mulheres CONCLUSÃO Melhorar a qualidade do pré-natal, a coordenação e a integralidade do atendimento no momento do parto têm um impacto potencial nas taxas de prematuridade e, consequentemente, na redução das taxas de morbimortalidade infantil no país.

Near miss neonatal no Brasil: fatores associados e repercussões no aleitamento materno exclusivo / Neonatal near miss in Brazil: associated factors and repercussions on exclusive breastfeeding

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar os fatores associados ao near miss neonatal no Brasil e à prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo na alta e após 45 a 90 dias do parto nesse grupo de crianças. A presente pesquisa faz parte do estudo, de âmbito nacional e de base hospitalar, intitulado "Nascer no Brasil": Inquérito Nacional sobre Parto e Nascimento, conduzida entre fevereiro de 2011 a outubro de 2012, cuja amostra de recém-nascidos se constituiu de 832 casos de near miss neonatal. Para a obtenção dos dados foram aplicados questionários às puérperas, transcritos os dados dos prontuários e realizadas entrevistas telefônicas entre 45 a 90 dias após o parto. Os resultados estão apresentados sob o formato de dois artigos. O primeiro manuscrito analisou, a partir de um modelo hieraquizado, os fatores sociodemográficos, maternos e relativos à organização dos serviços de saúde associados ao near miss neonatal. Verificou-se que o near miss neonatal foi associado às determinadas características maternas (idade maior que 35 anos, parto cesáreo, ser fumante, ter síndrome hipertensiva gestacional, diabetes mellitus pré-gestacional e gestação gemelar) e aos aspectos relacionados à organização dos serviços (inadequação do pré-natal e realização de parto na capital). O segundo artigo investigou a associação de fatores sociodemográficos, perinatais e as práticas hospitalares de incentivo ao aleitamento materno exclusivo em near miss neonatal. Verificou-se que 70,5% dos recém-nascidos tiveram alta em aleitamento exclusivo e apenas 40% continuaram sendo amamentados exclusivamente após 45 a 90 dias do parto. O aleitamento materno exclusivo foi associado à primiparidade, baixa escolaridade, a mãe ter seu recém-nascido no colo na sala de parto e ser amamentado no alojamento conjunto. Assim, o near miss neonatal foi associado às características passíveis de intervenção no pré-natal como o uso habitual de fumo e à prestação de serviços e de cuidados. E ainda, foi verificado que o aleitamento materno exclusivo entre os casos de near miss neonatal foi associado aos fatores sociodemográficos (baixa escolaridade) e perinatais (primiparidade) como também a realização de importantes práticas hospitalares (recém-nascido ficar no colo da mãe na sala de parto e ser amamentado no alojamento conjunto). Portanto, é de extrema importância enfatizar a necessidade de realização do pré-natal para identificar as gestantes que necessitam de atenção mais especializada, com acompanhamento oportuno durante a gravidez, o parto e o pós-parto para a prevenção de condições perinatais que ameaçam a vida.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the factors associated with neonatal near miss in Brazil and the practice of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and 45 to 90 days after delivery in this group of children. This research is part of the study, nationwide and with a hospital base, entitled National Survey on Childbirth and Birth: "Being born in Brazil", conducted between February 2011 and October 2012, whose sample of newborns consisted of 832 cases neonatal near miss. For information on the data, questionnaires were given to the mothers, the data from the medical records were transcribed and telephone calls were reported between 45 and 90 days after delivery. The results obtained in the format of two articles. The first analyzed, based on a hierarchical model, the sociodemographic, maternal and relative factors in the organization of health services associated with neonatal near miss. It was found that neonatal near miss was associated with maternal characteristics (age over 35, cesarean delivery, being a smoker, having gestational hypertensive syndromes, gestational diabetes mellitus and twin pregnancy) and aspects related to the organization of prenatal and maternal services delivery in the capital. The second article investigated the association of sociodemographic and perinatal factors and hospital practices to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in neonatal near miss. It was found that 70.5% of newborns were discharged on exclusive breastfeeding and only 40% of these continued to be breastfed exclusively after 45 to 90 days of delivery. Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with primiparity, low education, the mother having her newborn on her lap in the delivery room and being breastfed in the room together. Thus, neonatal near miss was associated with characteristics that could be prenatal intervention, such as the usual use of tobacco and related to the provision of services and care. Furthermore, it was found that exclusive breastfeeding among neonatal near miss cases was associated with maternal, sociodemographic (low education) and perinatal (primiparity) characteristics, but also with important hospital practices (newborns staying on the mother's lap in the delivery room and be breastfed in the room together). Therefore, it is extremely important to emphasize the need for prenatal care to identify pregnant women who need more specialized care, with timely monitoring during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum to prevent life threatening perinatal conditions.

Using near-miss events to improve MRI safety in a large academic centre.

Near-miss events represent an opportunity to identify and correct errors that jeopardise patient safety. The MRI environment poses potential safety threats and is frequently associated with near misses or adverse events related to improper safety screening for presence of cardiac pacemakers and other potential contraindications. At our institution, MRI safety screening lacked a formalised structure and standardisation; the process relied on a single-step safety screening process. As a result, we observed a significant number of near misses associated with improper MRI screening that resulted in 'close calls' in patients with incompatible metals implants. The purpose of this project was to use a quality improvement approach to analyse the near-miss pattern and create a multistep intervention to decrease the number of near misses associated with MRI screening and to ultimately decrease the potential for patient harm. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, we decreased the number of MRI near misses from 22 to zero near misses in 1 year after implementation. The project demonstrates successful transformation of near misses to a never event: a reportable event that should never happen. The project also demonstrates the importance in targeting and prioritising a pattern of near misses, which are unplanned events that do not result in injury but had great potential to do so.

Underreporting of Veress Needle Injuries: Comparing Direct Observation and Chart Review Methods.

BACKGROUND: Adverse events in surgery occur frequently, increase likelihood of postoperative morbidity, and mostly take place in the operating rooms. Several surgeons have advocated for learning from adverse events and near misses to help improve patient safety. To do so, one must first understand how to accurately identify and report intraoperative events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive laparoscopic cases performed in a referral center were included in the cohort. Veress needle (VN) injuries were characterized according to a priori established criteria. Two methods were used to identify VN injuries: direct observation and patient chart review. For direct observation, trained surgeon assessors identified the outcomes using a comprehensive data capture platform called the operating room black box. On the other hand, operative reports and patient charts were reviewed by trained assessors to identify reported VN injuries. RESULTS: Hundred thirty-one cases were analyzed. There were 12 (9%) VN injuries identified by direct observation compared to 3 (2%) identified in patient chart review method. Injuries to the liver and stomach were identified by both methods, whereas injuries to the omentum were not reported in patient charts even if they required rectification. There were seven VN injuries that required rectification, lasting up to 12% of the operating time. There were 47 (35%) near misses identified through direct observation, whereas none was reported in patient charts. CONCLUSIONS: Direct observation enables characterization of VN injury and near misses with far greater detail and accuracy than patient chart review.

Implementation and operation of incident learning across a newly-created health system.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work is to describe our experience launching an expanded incident learning system for patient safety and quality that takes into account aspects beyond therapeutic dose delivery, specifically imaging/simulation incidents, medical care incidents, and operational issues. METHODS: Our ILS was designed for a newly created health system comprised of a midsized academic hospital and two smaller community hospitals. The main design goal was to create a highly sensitive system to capture as much information throughout the department as possible. Reports were classified according to incidents and near misses involving therapeutic radiation, imaging/simulation, and patient care (not involving radiation), unsafe conditions, operational issues, and accolades/suggestions. Reports were analyzed according to impact on various steps in the process of care. Actions made in response to reports were assessed and characterized by intervention reliability. RESULTS: A total of 1125 reports were submitted in the first 23 months. For all three departments, therapeutic radiation incidents and near misses consisted of less than one-third of all reports submitted. For the midsized academic department, operational issues and unsafe conditions comprised the largest percentage of reports (70%). Although the majority of reports impacted steps related to the technical aspects of treatment (simulation, planning, and treatment delivery), 20% impacted other steps such as scheduling or clinic visits. More than 160 actions were performed in response to reports. Of these actions, 63 were quality improvement interventions to improve practices, while 97 were learning actions for raising awareness. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed an ILS that identifies issues related to the entire process of care delivery in radiation oncology, as evidenced by frequent and varied reported events. By identifying a broad spectrum of issues in a department, opportunities for improvement can be identified.

Effectiveness and limitations of an incident-reporting system analyzed by local clinical safety leaders in a tertiary hospital: Prospective evaluation through real-time observations of patient safety incidents.

The effectiveness of a hospital incident-reporting system (IRS) on improve patient safety is unclear. This study objective was to assess which implemented improvement actions after the analysis of the incidents reported were effective in reduce near-misses or adverse events.Patient safety incidents (PSIs), near misses and adverse events, notified to the IRS were analyzed by local clinical safety leaders (CSLs) who propose and implement improvement actions. The local CSLs received training workshops in patient safety and analysis tools. Following the notification of a PSI in the IRS, prospective real-time observations with external staff were planned to record and rated the frequency of that PSI. This methodology was repeated after the implementation of the improvement actions.Ultimately, 1983 PSIs were identified. Surgery theaters, emergency departments, intensive care units, and general adult care units comprised 82% of all PSIs. The PSI rate increased from 0.39 to 3.4 per 1000 stays in 42 months. A significant correlation was found between the reporting rate per month and the number of workshop-trained local CSLs (Spearman coefficient = 0.874; P = .003). A total of 24,836 real-time observations showed a statistically significant reduction in PSIs observed in 63.15% (categories: medication P = .044; communication P = .037; technology P = .009) of the implemented improvements actions, but not in the organization category (P = .094). In the multivariate analyses, the following factors were associated with the reduction in near misses or adverse events after the implementation of the improvement actions: "adverse event" type of PSI (odds ratio [OR], 3.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93-5.74), "disussion group" type of analysis (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.52-3.76), and root cause type of analysis (OR, 2.32; 95% CI: 1.17-3.90).The implementation of a hospital IRS, together with the systematization of the method and analysis of PSIs by workshop-trained local CSLs led to an important reduction in the frequency of PSIs.

Risk factors for near-miss events and safety incidents in pediatric radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Factors contributing to safety- or quality-related incidents (e.g. variances) in children are unknown. We identified clinical and RT treatment variables associated with risk for variances in a pediatric cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using our institution's incident learning system, 81 patients age ≤21 years old who experienced variances were compared to 191 pediatric patients without variances. Clinical and RT treatment variables were evaluated as potential predictors for variances using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Variances were primarily documentation errors (n = 46, 57%) and were most commonly detected during treatment planning (n = 14, 21%). Treatment planning errors constituted the majority (n = 16 out of 29, 55%) of near-misses and safety incidents (NMSI), which excludes workflow incidents. Therapists reported the majority of variances (n = 50, 62%). Physician cross-coverage (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.04-4.38) and 3D conformal RT (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.11-4.69) increased variance risk. Conversely, age >14 years (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.28-0.88) and diagnosis of abdominal tumor (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.04-0.59) decreased variance risk. CONCLUSIONS: Variances in children occurred in early treatment phases, but were detected at later workflow stages. Quality measures should be implemented during early treatment phases with a focus on younger children and those cared for by cross-covering physicians.

Factors associated with maternal near miss: A study from Kerala.

Severe life-threatening situations leading to a "near-miss" event may arise unexpectedly in pregnancy. Delay in seeking help, delayed access to care, and poor quality of emergency obstetric services can lead to undesirable outcomes. Women meeting the WHO "near-miss" criteria were assessed using a cross-sectional study design. These women were interviewed to evaluate the circumstances leading to a near-miss event. Reasons for delays in getting proper care were studied using the "3 delays' model." Thirty-two women met the criteria for "near miss" during the 15-month study period, with a maternal near-miss incidence ratio of 9.27/1000 live births. One or more delays were identified in 21 (65.6%) near-miss cases. Delayed access to care was the most important factor for delay. A review of near-miss cases can be used to improve and optimize the existing obstetric services.

Concepts, prevalence and characteristics of severe maternal morbidity and near miss in Brazil: a systematic review / Conceitos, prevalência e características da morbidade materna grave, near miss, no Brasil: revisão sistemática

Abstract Objectives: to analyze frequency, characteristics and causes of severe maternal morbidity (maternal near miss) in Brazil. Methods: a systematic review on quantitative studies about characteristics, causes, and associated factors on severe maternal morbidity (maternal near miss). The search was done through MEDLINE (maternal near miss or severe maternal morbidity and Brazil) and LILACS (maternal near miss, maternal morbidity). Data were extracted from methodological characteristics of the article, criteria for maternal morbidity and main results. Near miss ratios and indicators were described and estimated. Results: we identified 48 studies: 37 were on hospital based; six were based on health surveys and five were based on information systems. Different definitions were adopted. Maternal near miss ratio ranged from 2.4/1000 LB to 188.4/1000 LB, depending on the criteria and epidemiological scenario. The mortality rate for maternal near miss varied between 3.3% and 32.2%. Hypertensive diseases and hemorrhage were the most common morbidities, but indirect causes have been increasing. Flaws in the healthcare were associated to near miss and also sociodemographic factors (non-white skin color, adolescence/ age ≥ 35 years old, low schooling level). Conclusions: the frequency of maternal near miss in Brazil is high, with a profile of similar causes to maternal mortality. Inequities and delays in the healthcare were identified as association.

Resumo Objetivos: análise da frequência, características e causas da morbidade materna grave (near miss materno) no Brasil. Métodos: revisão sistemática de estudos quantitativos sobre características, causas e fatores associados à morbidade materna grave (near miss materno). A busca foi feita via MEDLINE (maternal near miss or severe maternal morbidity and Brazil) e LILACS (near miss materno, morbidade materna). Foram extraídos dados sobre características metodológicas do artigo, critérios para morbidade materna e principais resultados. A razão de near miss e os indicadores foram descritos ou estimados. Resultados: identificamos 48 estudos, sendo 37 de base hospitalar, seis com base em inquéritos de saúde e cinco com base em sistemas de informação. Diferentes definições foram adotadas. A Razão de near miss materno variou de 2,4/ 1000 NV a 188,4/1000 NV, dependendo dos critérios e do cenário epidemiológico. O índice de mortalidade near miss materno variou entre 3,3% e 32,2%. Doenças hipertensivas e hemorragia foram as morbidades mais comuns, mas causas indiretas vêm aumentando. Falhas nos cuidados de saúde foram associadas ao near miss, assim como fatores sociodemográficos (cor da pele não branca, adolescência/ idade≥35 anos, baixa escolaridade). Conclusões: a frequência de near miss materno no Brasil é elevada, com perfil de causas semelhantes às da mortalidade materna. Foi identificada associação com iniquidades e demoras na assistência à saúde.

Are we missing the near misses in the OR?-underreporting of safety incidents in pediatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Electronic hospital variance reporting systems used to report near misses and adverse events are plagued by underreporting. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate directly observed variances that occur in our pediatric operating room and to correlate these with the two established variance reporting systems in our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trained individuals directly observed pediatric perioperative patient care for 6 wk to identify near misses and adverse events. These direct observations were compared to the established handwritten perioperative variance cards and the electronic hospital variance reporting system. All observations were analyzed and categorized into an additional six safety domains and five variance categories. The chi-square test was used, and P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of 830 surgical cases, 211 were audited by the safety observers. During this period, 137 (64%) near misses were identified by direct observation, while 57 (7%) handwritten and 8 (1%) electronic variance were reported. Only 1 of 137 observed events was reported in the handwritten variance system. Five directly observed adverse events were not reported in either of the two variance reporting systems. Safety observers were more likely to recognize time-out and equipment variances (P < 0.001). Both variance reporting systems and direct observation identified numerous policy and process issues. CONCLUSIONS: Despite multiple reporting systems, near misses and adverse events remain underreported. Identifying near misses may help address system and process issues before an adverse event occurs. Efforts need to be made to lessen barriers to reporting in order to improve patient safety.

Brachytherapy patient safety events in an academic radiation medicine program.

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence and type of brachytherapy patient safety events over 10 years in an academic brachytherapy program. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Brachytherapy patient safety events reported between January 2007 and August 2016 were retrieved from the incident reporting system and reclassified using the recently developed National System for Incident Reporting in Radiation Treatment taxonomy. A multi-incident analysis was conducted to identify common themes and key learning points. RESULTS: During the study period, 3095 patients received 4967 brachytherapy fractions. An additional 179 patients had MR-guided prostate biopsies without treatment as part of an interventional research program. A total of 94 brachytherapy- or biopsy-related safety events (incidents, near misses, or programmatic hazards) were identified, corresponding to a rate of 2.8% of brachytherapy patients, 1.7% of brachytherapy fractions, and 3.4% of patients undergoing MR-guided prostate biopsy. Fifty-one (54%) events were classified as actual incidents, 29 (31%) as near misses, and 14 (15%) as programmatic hazards. Two events were associated with moderate acute medical harm or dosimetric severity, and two were associated with high dosimetric severity. Multi-incident analysis identified five high-risk activities or clinical scenarios as follows: (1) uncommon, low-volume or newly implemented brachytherapy procedures, (2) real-time MR-guided brachytherapy or biopsy procedures, (3) use of in-house devices or software, (4) manual data entry, and (5) patient scheduling and handoffs. CONCLUSIONS: Brachytherapy is a safe treatment and associated with a low rate of patient safety events. Effective incident management is a key element of continuous quality improvement and patient safety in brachytherapy.

Examining self-reported and biological stress and near misses among Emergency Medicine residents: a single-centre cross-sectional assessment in the USA.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between perceived and biological stress and near misses among Emergency Medicine residents. DESIGN: Self-rated stress and stress biomarkers were assessed in residents in Emergency Medicine before and after a day shift. The supervising physicians and residents reported numbers of near misses. SETTING: The study took place in the Emergency Department of a large trauma 1 centre, located in Detroit, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Residents in Emergency Medicine volunteered to participate. The sample consisted of 32 residents, with complete data on 28 subjects. Residents' supervising physicians assessed the clinical performance of each resident. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants' preshift and postshift stress, biological stress (salivary cortisol, plasma interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), residents' and supervisors' reports of near misses, number of critically ill and patients with trauma seen during the shift. RESULTS: Residents' self-reported stress increased from an average preshift level of 2.79 of 10 (SD 1.81) to a postshift level of 5.82 (2.13) (p<0.001). Residents cared for an average of 2.32 (1.52) critically ill patients and 0.68 (1.06) patients with trauma. Residents reported a total of 7 near misses, compared with 11 reported by the supervising physicians. After controlling for baseline work-related exhaustion, residents that cared for more patients with trauma and had higher levels of TNF-α reported a higher frequency of near misses (R2=0.72; p=0.001). Residents' preshift ratings of how stressful they expected the shift to be were related to the supervising physicians' ratings of residents' near misses during the shift. CONCLUSION: Residents' own ratings of near misses were associated with residents' TNF-α, a biomarker of systemic inflammation and the number of patients with trauma seen during the shift. In contrast, supervisor reports on residents' near misses were related only to the residents' preshift expectations of how stressful the shift would be.

Neonatal near miss and mortality: factors associated with life-threatening conditions in newborns at six public maternity hospitals in Southeast Brazil.

We aimed to evaluate factors associated with cases of neonatal near miss and neonatal deaths at six public maternity hospitals in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro States, Brazil, in 2011. A prospective hospital-based birth cohort investigated these outcomes among live births with life-threatening conditions. Associations were tested using multinomial logistic regression models with hierarchical levels. High rates of near miss were observed for maternal syphilis (52.2‰ live births) and lack of prenatal care (80.8‰ live births). Maternal black skin color (OR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.2-3.2), hemorrhage (OR = 2.2; 95%CI: 1.3-3.9), hypertension (OR = 3.0; 95%CI: 2.0-4.4), syphilis (OR = 3.3; 95%CI: 1.5-7.2), lack of prenatal care (OR = 5.6; 95%CI: 2.6-11.7), cesarean section and hospital, were associated with near miss; while hemorrhage (OR = 4.6; 95%CI: 1,8-11.3), lack of prenatal care (OR = 17.4; 95%CI: 6.5-46.8) and hospital, with death. Improvements in access to qualified care for pregnant women and newborns are necessary to reduce neonatal life-threatening conditions.