[Critically ill patient isolation: risk or protection?] / Aislamiento del paciente crítico: ¿riesgo o protección?

INTRODUCTION: Isolation precautions are an effective measure to prevent the spread of multi-resistant microorganisms (MMR). However, its implementation is complex and can increase some risks to the patient. The aim of this study is to determine whether the implementation of isolation precautions increase the risk of patient safety incidents (PSI) in critically ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted involving patients admitted to the ICU of a University Hospital, and that required isolation for more than 48h. Period of study: two years (from 2013/03/01 to 2015/03/31). Data source was the electronic medical record. The tools for evaluation were the Modular Review Form questionnaires (MRF1 and MRF2). An analysis was made of PSI and adverse events (AEs) during periods with and without isolation precautions, including the PSI type, severity, and preventability. RESULTS: The study included a total of 76 patients, 74 of whom had at least one PSI. A total of 798 PSI were detected (511 during isolation period), 599 were a No harm incident (NHI) and 199 were adverse AEs. The most frequent PSIs were associated with medication (316) and patient health care (279). Most of them were moderately or highly preventable. The incidence of PSI during periods with and without isolation was 27.3 (SD 33.8) and 29 (39.6) per 100 patient-days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PSIs in ICU are frequent, and the most of them are preventable. The adoption of isolation precautions does not constitute a risk factor for PSI. Improving patient safety culture is essential for an adequate prevention strategy.

[Perception of surgeons on the use of antimicrobial stewardships programs]. / Percepción de los cirujanos acerca de los programas PROA.

INTRODUCTION: The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials can contribute to an increase in antimicrobial resistance, increasing the risk of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Most common surgical pathologies are infectious (either primary or as a complication), often being over-treated. Exploring the perception of surgeons on the use of implementing Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) is relevant in order to adapt the program to local context. OBJECTIVE: To determine the perception of surgeons on the management of infections and antibiotic (AB) prescription in a General Surgery Department (GSD). METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire that was distributed to assess the aspects related to AB management. RESULTS: A total of 42 questionnaires were completed, with a 65% response rate. The large majority (75%) considered that antimicrobial resistance was an important problem. The main situations considered with medium/high margin of improvement were: time from taking the specimen to receiving the results (70%), use of a wide spectrum AB, and excessive duration (88% and 89%), dose adjustment according to renal function (81%), unnecessary prolongation of intravenous AB treatment (87%) and excessive duration of it (89%), preference for intravenous AB administration until discharge of the patient (73%). There were also difficulties in ASP implementation, as well as established and solid AB patterns (84%) and the heterogeneity of the GSD (84%). CONCLUSIONS: Organisational aspects of the GSD constitute one of the problems to implement the ASPs. A specific multidisciplinary team has been constituted to address different training aspects. This will also serve as a forum of discussion of certain complex patients with difficulties in antibiotic management.

Recomendaciones para el tratamiento de los pacientes críticos de los Grupos de Trabajo de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC) / Recommendations of the Working Groups from the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) for the management of adult critically ill patients

La estandarización de la medicina intensiva puede mejorar el tratamiento del paciente crítico. No obstante, estos programas de estandarización no se han aplicado de forma generalizada en las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). El objetivo de este trabajo es elaborar las recomendaciones para la estandarización del tratamiento de los pacientes críticos. Se seleccionó un panel de expertos de los trece grupos de trabajo (GT) de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC), elegido por su experiencia clínica y/o científica para la realización de las recomendaciones. Se analizó la literatura publicada entre 2002 y 2016 sobre diferentes tópicos de los pacientes críticos. En reuniones de cada GT los expertos discutieron las propuestas y sintetizaron las conclusiones, que fueron finalmente aprobadas por los GT después de un amplio proceso de revisión interna realizado entre diciembre de 2015 y diciembre de 2016. Finalmente, se elaboraron un total de 65 recomendaciones, 5 por cada uno de los 13 GT. Estas recomendaciones se basan en la opinión de expertos y en el conocimiento científico y pretenden servir de guía para los intensivistas como una ayuda en el manejo de los pacientes críticos (AU)

The standardization of the Intensive Care Medicine may improve the management of the adult critically ill patient. However, these strategies have not been widely applied in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The aim is to elaborate the recommendations for the standardization of the treatment of critical patients. A panel of experts from the thirteen working groups (WG) of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) was selected and nominated by virtue of clinical expertise and/or scientific experience to carry out the recommendations. Available scientific literature in the management of adult critically ill patients from 2002 to 2016 was extracted. The clinical evidence was discussed and summarised by the experts in the course of a consensus finding of every WG and finally approved by the WGs after an extensive internal review process that was carried out between December 2015 and December 2016. A total of 65 recommendations were developed, of which 5 corresponded to each of the 13 WGs. These recommendations are based on the opinion of experts and scientific knowledge, and are intended as a guide for the intensivists in the management of critical patients (AU)

Recommendations of the Working Groups from the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) for the management of adult critically ill patients. / Recomendaciones para el tratamiento de los pacientes críticos de los Grupos de Trabajo de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias (SEMICYUC).

The standardization of the Intensive Care Medicine may improve the management of the adult critically ill patient. However, these strategies have not been widely applied in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The aim is to elaborate the recommendations for the standardization of the treatment of critical patients. A panel of experts from the thirteen working groups (WG) of the Spanish Society of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units (SEMICYUC) was selected and nominated by virtue of clinical expertise and/or scientific experience to carry out the recommendations. Available scientific literature in the management of adult critically ill patients from 2002 to 2016 was extracted. The clinical evidence was discussed and summarised by the experts in the course of a consensus finding of every WG and finally approved by the WGs after an extensive internal review process that was carried out between December 2015 and December 2016. A total of 65 recommendations were developed, of which 5 corresponded to each of the 13 WGs. These recommendations are based on the opinion of experts and scientific knowledge, and are intended as a guide for the intensivists in the management of critical patients.

¿Están asociadas la carga asistencial y la seguridad del paciente? / Is there a relationship between patient safety and workload

Objetivo: La finalidad del estudio fue la estimación del grado en que los médicos consideran que la carga de trabajo puede generar problemas en la seguridad de los pacientes (SP). Metodología: Estudio descriptivo realizado mediante cuestionario remitido electrónicamente a médicos de hospitales públicos del Servicio Aragonés de Salud. Resultados y conclusión: Se obtuvo una tasa de respuesta del 9% (177 respuestas válidas; N: 1.600 médicos). Un 48,6% opinaba que durante el último año, al menos una vez a la semana, la presión asistencial excedió de lo que podría considerarse como una atención médica segura. El 28% consideró que durante el último año tuvo que atender a demasiados pacientes. El 17% afirmó que no había sido posible registrar en la historia clínica la totalidad de los resultados importantes de las exploraciones realizadas. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la preocupación de los profesionales por el impacto de la carga asistencial sobre la repercusión en la calidad de la asistencia y la seguridad del paciente

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the degree to which physicians consider that the workload can reduce patient safety. Methodology: Descriptive study carried out by means of a questionnaire sent electronically to doctors from public hospitals of Aragón (Spain). Results and conclusion: A response rate of 9% was obtained (177 valid responses, N: 1.600 doctors). A 48.6% think that during the last year, at least once a week, the workload of care has exceeded what they consider a safe medical care. A 28% of the respondents,during the last year, has had to attend to too many patients. 17% affirm that it has not been possible to record in the clinical history all the important results of the explorations carried out. The results highlight the professionals concern about the impact of the workload on patient safety and quality of care

Sesgo de género en textos académicos, ¿también en los de Salud Pública? / Gender bias in the authorship of academic books, also in public health textbooks?

Justificación y objetivos: Las desigualdades de género persisten en las actividades de investigación y educación. Hemos analizado la evolución de las desigualdades de género en diferentes libros de texto de Salud Pública de uso habitual en España y Europa para la formación inicial de los diferentes grados en ciencias de la salud y para la de postgrado y especializada. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo donde se analiza la presencia de mujeres, tanto en la faceta de autoras de capítulo, como en la de directoras o editoras en diferentes ediciones publicadas desde 1988 hasta 2016 de libros nacionales e internacionales de uso habitual. Resultados: En la mayor parte de libros analizados se observa un marcado predominio de hombres en la autoría como colaboradores a pesar de un incremento mantenido de la presencia de mujeres. La razón hombre/mujer todavía es más desigual cuando se analiza el papel de las mujeres como editoras o directoras de las ediciones. Conclusiones: Aunque existe una tendencia al incremento del número de autoras, las cifras no son suficientes y proporcionan una falsa sensación de equidad. Existe por lo tanto un sesgo de género que carece de una explicación lógica, y que traduce la mayor dificultad de las mujeres para progresar en la carrera investigador

Background: Gender inequalities persist in research and university education. This is remarkable in the field of public health, where issues such as equity and the study of social inequalities and their relation to public health are key components. We analyse the evolution of gender inequalities in various public health manuals and textbooks commonly used in graduate and postgraduate training in Spain and Europe. Methods: This descriptive study examined the presence of women as chapter authors and editorial directors in 13 editions of 4 public health manuals and textbooks published between 1988 and 2016, and analysed temporal trends in the male/female ratio of authors and editorial directors. Results: Our data reveal a marked predominance of male authors and collaborators in most books analysed, despite a progressive increase in the number of female contributors in successive editions. Analysis of the male/female ratio of autors and editorial directors reveals even greater inequality. Conclusion: Despite a trend indicating an increase in the number of female authors over time, these data create a false sense of gender equity, given the marked disparity observed at the level of editorial directors. Our findings reveal a strong gender bias that lacks a logical explanation, and renders the greater adversity faced by women seeking to progress in their research careers

Análisis de los factores contribuyentes en incidentes relacionados con la seguridad del paciente en Medicina Intensiva / Analysis of contributing factors associated to related patients safety incidents in Intensive Care Medicine

OBJETIVO: Analizar los factores contribuyentes (FC) que intervienen en la aparición de incidentes relacionados con la seguridad del paciente crítico. DISEÑO: Análisis post hoc del estudio SYREC. ÁMBITO: Un total de 79 servicios de Medicina Intensiva. PACIENTES: Un total de 1.017 pacientes, de los que se incluyeron 591 en los que se notificó al menos un incidente. Variables de interés principales FC categorizados según una adaptación del modelo propuesto por la National Patient Safety Agency del Reino Unido. Tipo, clase y gravedad de los incidentes relacionados con la seguridad del paciente. RESULTADOS: Se notificaron 2.965 FC (1.729 se comunicaron en incidentes sin daño y 1.236 en eventos adversos). El grupo de FC más frecuente fue el relacionado con el paciente. Los FC relacionados con el profesional se notificaron más en los incidentes sin daño. En cambio, los relacionados con la tarea se comunicaron más en los eventos adversos. Se declararon FC en todas las clases de incidentes. La mayoría de FC se notificaron en los incidentes menos graves aunque los FC relacionados con el paciente se asociaron a incidentes de mayor gravedad. Los incidentes que se asociaron a los FC relacionados con el profesional se consideraron evitables y los FC relacionados con el paciente, inevitables. CONCLUSIONES: Los FC relacionados con el paciente fueron los más frecuentes y se relacionaron con los incidentes más graves y considerados inevitables. Los relacionados con el profesional se notificaron en las categorías menos graves y se consideraron evitables. La identificación de FC fue más frecuente en los incidentes sin daño

OBJECTIVE: To explore contributing factors (CF) associated to related critical patients safety incidents. Design: SYREC study pos hoc analysis. SETTING: A total of 79 Intensive Care Departments were involved. PATIENTS: The study sample consisted of 1.017 patients; 591 were affected by one or more incidents. MAIN VARIABLES: The CF were categorized according to a proposed model by the National Patient Safety Agency from United Kingdom that was modified. Type, class and severity of the incidents was analyzed. RESULTS: A total 2,965 CF were reported (1,729 were associated to near miss and 1,236 to adverse events). The CF group more frequently reported were related patients factors. Individual factors were reported more frequently in near miss and task related CF in adverse events. CF were reported in all classes of incidents. The majority of CF were reported in the incidents classified such as less serious, even though CF patients factors were associated to serious incidents. Individual factors were considered like avoidable and patients factors as unavoidable. CONCLUSIONS: The CF group more frequently reported were patient factors and was associated to more severe and unavoidable incidents. By contrast, individual factors were associated to less severe and avoidable incidents. In general, CF most frequently reported were associated to near miss

[Identification of adverse events in hospitalised influenza patients]. / Identificación de eventos adversos en pacientes hospitalizados por gripe.

OBJECTIVE: To test the inter-observer agreement in identifying adverse events (AE) in patients hospitalized by flu and undergoing precautionary isolation measures. METHODS: Historical cohort study, 50 patients undergoing isolation measures due to flu, and 50 patients without any isolation measures. RESULTS: The AE incidence ranges from 10 to 26% depending on the observer (26% [95%CI: 17.4%-34.60%], 10% [95%CI: 4.12%-15.88%], and 23% [95%CI: 14.75%-31.25%]). It was always lower in the cohort undergoing the isolation measures. This difference is statistically significant when the accurate definition of a case is applied. The agreement as regards the screening was good (higher than 76%; Kappa index between 0.29 and 0.81). The agreement as regards the accurate identification of AE related to care was lower (from 50 to 93.3%, Kappa index from 0.20 to 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Before performing an epidemiological study on AE, interobserver concordance must be analyzed to improve the accuracy of the results and the validity of the study. Studies have different levels of reliability. Kappa index shows high levels for the screening guide, but not for the identification of AE. Without a good methodology the results achieved, and thus the decisions made from them, cannot be guaranteed. Researchers have to be sure of the method used, which should be as close as possible to the optimal achievable.

Identificación de eventos adversos en pacientes hospitalizados por gripe / Identification of adverse events in hospitalised influenza patients

Objetivos: Testar la fiabilidad interobservador de la guía de cribado y del formulario modular de revisión (MRF2) para identificar eventos adversos (EA). Comparar la incidencia de EA entre un grupo de pacientes sometidos a precauciones de aislamiento de contacto y gotas por gripe frente a un grupo de pacientes no aislados. Método: Estudio de casos y controles anidados en una cohorte. Los casos son 50 pacientes sometidos a precauciones de aislamiento por gripe, y los controles son 50 pacientes ingresados y no aislados. Resultados: La incidencia de EA varía entre el 10 y el 26% por efecto del observador (26% [IC 95%: 17,4-34,60%]; 10% [IC 95%: 4,12-15,88%]; 23% [IC 95%: 14,75-31,25%]). Es siempre menor en la cohorte expuesta al aislamiento que en la no expuesta, y esa diferencia alcanza significación estadística cuando aplicamos el criterio de máxima exigencia en la definición de caso. La concordancia respecto del cribado fue buena (porcentaje simple de concordancia superior al 76%; índice Kappa entre 0,29 y 0,81). La concordancia respecto de la identificación precisa de EA relacionado con la asistencia fue menor (porcentaje de concordancia entre el 50 y el 93,3%; índice Kappa de 0,20 a 0,70). Conclusiones: Antes de realizar un estudio epidemiológico sobre EA hay que analizar la fiabilidad interobservador para mejorar la precisión de los resultados y, por ende, la validez del estudio. Los revisores presentan diferentes grados de concordancia. El índice Kappa muestra niveles elevados para la guía de cribado, no así para la identificación de EA. Sin una buena metodología no se pueden garantizar los resultados alcanzados y, consecuentemente, las decisiones tomadas a partir de ellos. Por tanto, los investigadores han de ser garantes del método utilizado y este debe acercarse lo más posible al óptimo alcanzable (AU)

Objective: To test the inter-observer agreement in identifying adverse events (AE) in patients hospitalized by flu and undergoing precautionary isolation measures. Methods: Historical cohort study, 50 patients undergoing isolation measures due to flu, and 50 patients without any isolation measures. Results: The AE incidence ranges from 10 to 26% depending on the observer (26% [95% CI: 17.4%-34.60%], 10% [95% CI: 4.12%-15.88%], and 23% [95% CI: 14.75%-31.25%]). It was always lower in the cohort undergoing the isolation measures. This difference is statistically significant when the accurate definition of a case is applied. The agreement as regards the screening was good (higher than 76%; Kappa index between 0.29 and 0.81). The agreement as regards the accurate identification of AE related to care was lower (from 50 to 93.3%, Kappa index from 0.20 to 0.70). Conclusions: Before performing an epidemiological study on AE, interobserver concordance must be analyzed to improve the accuracy of the results and the validity of the study. Studies have different levels of reliability. Kappa index shows high levels for the screening guide, but not for the identification of AE. Without a good methodology the results achieved, and thus the decisions made from them, cannot be guaranteed. Researchers have to be sure of the method used, which should be as close as possible to the optimal achievable (AU)

Analysis of contributing factors associated to related patients safety incidents in Intensive Care Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To explore contributing factors (CF) associated to related critical patients safety incidents. DESIGN: SYREC study pos hoc analysis. SETTING: A total of 79 Intensive Care Departments were involved. PATIENTS: The study sample consisted of 1.017 patients; 591 were affected by one or more incidents. MAIN VARIABLES: The CF were categorized according to a proposed model by the National Patient Safety Agency from United Kingdom that was modified. Type, class and severity of the incidents was analyzed. RESULTS: A total 2,965 CF were reported (1,729 were associated to near miss and 1,236 to adverse events). The CF group more frequently reported were related patients factors. Individual factors were reported more frequently in near miss and task related CF in adverse events. CF were reported in all classes of incidents. The majority of CF were reported in the incidents classified such as less serious, even thought CF patients factors were associated to serious incidents. Individual factors were considered like avoidable and patients factors as unavoidable. CONCLUSIONS: The CF group more frequently reported were patient factors and was associated to more severe and unavoidable incidents. By contrast, individual factors were associated to less severe and avoidable incidents. In general, CF most frequently reported were associated to near miss.

Las emergencias extrahospitalarias ante la cultura de seguridad / Out of hospital emergencies towards a safety culture

Objetivos. Estudiar el grado de cultura de seguridad (CS) de los profesionales en el ámbito de un servicio de urgencias extrahospitalarias. Analizar las dimensiones que reciben puntuaciones inferiores, con el fin de establecer futuras estrategias de actuación. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal en el que se distribuyó el cuestionario de la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) al universo muestral de los profesionales sanitarios que trabajan en las unidades de soporte vital avanzado del 061 de Aragón, durante el mes de agosto de 2013. Resultados. Se analizaron 80 cuestionarios (tasa de respuesta 55,55%). Principales fortalezas: adecuada dotación de personal (96%), buen clima laboral (89%), apoyo de superiores inmediatos (77%), trabajo en equipo (74%) y ambiente no punitivo hacia los eventos adversos (68%). Áreas de mejora: insuficiente formación en seguridad del paciente (53%), ausencia de feedback (50%). Conclusiones. Las oportunidades de mejora detectadas se centran en la formación de los profesionales, con el fin de procurar una asistencia más segura, extendiendo al mismo tiempo la cultura de seguridad. Así mismo se considera necesaria la puesta en marcha de un sistema de notificación y registro de eventos adversos en nuestro servicio (AU)

Objectives. The aim of this study is to measure the degree of safety culture (CS) among healthcare professional workers of an out-of-hospital Emergency Medical Service. Most patient safety studies have been conducted in relation to the hospital rather than pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services. The objective is to analyze the dimensions with lower scores in order to plan futures strategies. Material and methods. A descriptive study using the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) questionnaire. The questionnaire was delivered to all healthcare professionals workers of 061 Advanced Life Support Units of Aragón, during the month of August 2013. Results. The response rate was 55%. Main strengths detected: an adequate number of staff (96%), good working conditions (89%), tasks supported from immediate superior (77%), teamwork climate (74%), and non-punitive environment to report adverse events (68%). Areas for improvement: insufficient training in patient safety (53%) and lack of feedback of incidents reported (50%). Conclusions. The opportunities for improvement identified focus on the training of professionals in order to ensure safer care, while extending the safety culture. Also, the implementation of a system of notification and registration of adverse events in the service is deemed necessary (AU)

[Out of hospital emergencies towards a safety culture]. / Las emergencias extrahospitalarias ante la cultura de seguridad.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to measure the degree of safety culture (CS) among healthcare professional workers of an out-of-hospital Emergency Medical Service. Most patient safety studies have been conducted in relation to the hospital rather than pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services. The objective is to analyze the dimensions with lower scores in order to plan futures strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive study using the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) questionnaire. The questionnaire was delivered to all healthcare professionals workers of 061 Advanced Life Support Units of Aragón, during the month of August 2013. RESULTS: The response rate was 55%. Main strengths detected: an adequate number of staff (96%), good working conditions (89%), tasks supported from immediate superior (77%), teamwork climate (74%), and non-punitive environment to report adverse events (68%). Areas for improvement: insufficient training in patient safety (53%) and lack of feedback of incidents reported (50%). CONCLUSIONS: The opportunities for improvement identified focus on the training of professionals in order to ensure safer care, while extending the safety culture. Also, the implementation of a system of notification and registration of adverse events in the service is deemed necessary.

La cuarta edad ante la medicina intensiva / Patients over 80 years in intensive medicin

No disponible

[Mortality due to heart involvement in the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome]. / Mortalidad por afectación cardiaca en el síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico.

Catastrophic antiphospolipid syndrome (CAPS) is extremely rare antiphospolipid syndrome (APS) variety associated to higher mortality. When heart involvement appears has worsening pronostic. We reported a CAPS case, possibily afterward sting wasp triggering, with acute heart failure during evolution. The patient died despite angiographic stents, anticoagulation, corticoids and plasmaphereses treatment carried out.

[Middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke presentation of miliar tuberculosis]. / Infarto de la arteria cerebral media como forma de presentación de la tuberculosis miliar.

Presence of central nervous system by extrapulmonary tuberculosis is an infrequent disease specially among non HIV infected patients, and it is associated with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. We report a case with a middle cerebral artery ischemic strocke as a first symptom of miliar tuberculosis.

Mortalidad por afectación cardiaca en el síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico / Mortality due to heart involvement in the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

El síndrome antifosfolípido catastrófico (SAPC) es una variedad del síndrome antifosfolípido (SAP), altamente infrecuente, asociada a mayor mortalidad. La aparición de afectación cardiaca, todavía más infrecuente, empobrece el pronóstico del mismo. Exponemos un caso de SAPC, posiblemente secundario a una picadura de avispa. Durante la evolución desarrolló un shock cardiogénico que a pesar de coronariografía, implantación de stents además de tratamiento con corticoides, anticoagulación y plasmaféresis, le produjo la muerte

Catastrophic antiphospolipid syndrome (CAPS) is extremely rare antiphospolipid syndrome (APS) variety associated to higher mortality. When heart involvement appears has worsening pronostic. We reporteda CAPS case, possibily after ward sting wasp triggering, with acute heart failure during evolution. The patient died despite angiographic stents, anticoagulation, corticoids and plasmaphereses treatment carried out

Efectos adversos originados por la inserción de un pleurecath / Adverse events due to chest drainage insertion

No disponible

[A near-miss event. A new approach in the study of adverse events]. / Análisis de los <>. Un nuevo enfoque en el estudio de los acontecimientos adversos.

A near-miss event is defined as an event that could have resulted in an injury, fatality, or property damage if it had not been prevented. Analysis of near-miss events could be an efficient method in the study of adverse events. Reporting of near-misses has many benefits in the study of adverse events since near-misses occur more frequently than adverse events. In addition, as they have no consequences, fear that the professionals involved would have to report them is less. However, up to now, this method has been slow to develop. We present two clinical cases that help to understand the usefulness of the near-miss reporting system.