Evaluation of a Series of Wrong Intravitreous Injections.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE This case series describes events associated with errors in intravitreous injections. Given the volume of injections performed worldwide, it is important to identify the factors associated with these wrong events to try to reduce their occurrences. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a series of errors in intravitreous injections within Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this retrospective small case series of a convenience sample at KPNC between January 1, 2019, and December 30, 2020, cases of errors in intravitreous injection were identified either as part of a formal institutional quality review or by self-report of the involved surgeon during quality improvement discussions. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Description of the medical errors and the circumstances surrounding these errors. RESULTS: During the 2 years of this evaluation, there were more than 147 000 injections performed within KPNC. Four cases of errors in intravitreous injection were identified. Mistakes were associated with inaccurate review of the electronic medical record, poor surgeon and staff focus, and inconsistent use of surgical checklists and timeouts. No long-term ocular morbidity occurred following any of these errors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Medical errors related to intravitreous injections have occurred within KPNC. We trust these events are not unique to our practice. A standardized teams-based approach that incorporates rigorous safety protocols will likely be needed to reduce the risk of future wrong intravitreous injections.