Incidents in healthcare facilities are defined as what?

Incidents in healthcare facilities are characterized as unusual events that require documentation because they deviate from the standard operating procedures and can potentially affect patient safety and care. Documenting these incidents is essential for maintaining quality assurance and for accountability within the healthcare setting. It allows for a review process that can lead to improvements in procedures, identification of risks, and prevention of future occurrences.

In contrast, normal daily events and routine patient assessments do not typically require special documentation as they are expected parts of the care process. Trivial mishaps may not warrant formal reporting as they may not significantly impact patient safety or service quality. Therefore, recognizing incidents as unusual events emphasizes the need for careful attention and response to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.