AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHECKLISTS AND ERROR REPORTING SYSTEMS IN PROMOTING PATIENT SAFETY AND REDUCING MEDICAL ERRORS IN HOSPITAL SETTINGS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

In order to protect patients' health and get the best possible results, reducing medical mistakes is a critical aim of patient safety [Franklin et al, 2020]. Involving patients and their families is a critical tactic in reducing avoidable patient harm, according to the World Health Organization's Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021e2030 [WHO, 2021]. Medical errors have a significant impact on patients, healthcare facilities, and the larger healthcare system. These errors can range from blunders with the administration of medicine to surgical catastrophes [Ruiter, 2019]. Healthcare organisations have launched a number of patient safety measures in response to the urgent need to address this issue; among these, mistake reporting systems and checklists have attracted a lot of attention [Ruiter, 2019]. Because patient safety is a complex topic, it is necessary to have a thorough awareness of the many tactics and systems that may be used to reduce risks and mistakes. Checklists were first created for use in aviation and were later modified for use in the healthcare industry. They have shown promise in standardising protocols, encouraging communication, and lowering variability in clinical practices (Hales, Terblanche, Fowler & Sibbald, 2008). Error reporting systems assist organisations in preventing errors before they occur by identifying and analysing mistakes and near misses. Key elements of a larger framework to establish a safety culture inside healthcare organisations include patient safety efforts including checklists and mistake reporting systems [Tolentino et al, 2018]. A number of variables affect its efficacy, such as the dedication of medical experts, leadership backing, and technological integration. These programs have an effect on more than just individual patient interactions; they also have an impact on hospitals' general safety culture and standard of care. Therefore, the researcher sought to assess the effectiveness of checklists and error reporting systems in promoting patient safety and reducing medical errors in hospital settings.

Statement of the problem

In hospital settings, medical mistakes continue to present serious risks to patient safety since they frequently result in avoidable injury and unfavourable consequences. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that millions of patients are impacted by medical mistakes every year, which account for a significant percentage of patient injuries and fatalities globally (WHO, 2019). The use of organised checklists and mistake reporting systems is one suggested remedy for this problem. These instruments are intended to guarantee compliance with safety procedures and promote an environment of openness, allowing medical practitioners to recognise and address mistakes in a timely manner (Gawande, 2020). There is still a dearth of thorough data about the efficiency of checklists and mistake reporting systems in lowering medical errors and enhancing patient outcomes, despite their widespread use. Studies have yielded mixed results; some point to significant declines in errors after the implementation of these tools, while others contend that hospital-specific elements like staff development, leadership dedication, and the general safety culture are key to their effectiveness (Pronovost et al., 2016; Leape, 2015). This inconsistency raises the need for a deeper exploration of the effectiveness of checklists and error reporting systems in promoting patient safety and reducing medical errors in hospital settings.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness of checklists and error reporting systems in promoting patient safety and reducing medical errors in hospital settings. The specific objectives is as follows

To identify the types of medical errors most frequently reported through error reporting systems.

To evaluate the impact of checklists on reducing medical errors in hospital settings.

To assess the role of error reporting systems in  mitigating medical errors.

To determine the effectiveness of error reporting systems in fostering a culture of safety among healthcare professionals.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are the types of medical errors most frequently reported through error reporting systems?

What is the impact of checklists on reducing medical errors in hospital settings?

What is  the role of error reporting systems in  mitigating medical errors?

How effective is error reporting systems in fostering a culture of safety among healthcare professionals?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings of the study will be significant to the ministry of health as it could inform healthcare policymakers and administrators in developing and enforcing safety protocols. The study's findings may guide revisions to existing patient safety guidelines, ensuring that they are evidence-based and practically applicable. Findings of the study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future academic researchers

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on the effectiveness of checklists and error reporting systems in promoting patient safety and reducing medical errors in hospital settings. Empirically, the study will identify the types of medical errors most frequently reported through error reporting systems, evaluate the impact of checklists on reducing medical errors in hospital settings, assess the role of error reporting systems in  mitigating medical errors and determine the effectiveness of error reporting systems in fostering a culture of safety among healthcare professionals.

The study will be delimited to federal medical center Owo, Ondo State.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Checklist: A structured tool or document that outlines specific steps or tasks to be followed during medical procedures to ensure that all necessary actions are completed, minimizing the risk of medical errors.

Error Reporting System: A system, often computerized, used by healthcare professionals to record and report medical errors or near misses. The aim is to identify errors, analyze their causes, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

Medical Error: An unintended act of omission or commission in healthcare delivery that leads to or could potentially lead to an undesirable patient outcome. These errors can occur in diagnosis, treatment, or patient management.

Patient Safety: A discipline in healthcare that focuses on preventing harm to patients during the provision of medical care. Patient safety efforts aim to minimize errors and ensure quality treatment.

Healthcare Delivery: The organized provision of medical services by healthcare professionals and institutions, encompassing all activities aimed at maintaining or improving health.