Implementation of Medical Error Reporting Systems in Korean Hospitals

摘要

Objective: Reporting systems are believed to be important for improving patient safety. Increasingly, such reporting can be done using information systems, and information systems are widely used in Korea. The objectives of this study were to investigate the present status of reporting system of Korean hospitals. Methods: The chairs of nursing departments of all 283 hospitals nationwide with more than 100 beds were surveyed using structured questionnaire, and the response rate was 35%. Results and conclusions: Among reporting hospitals (n=99), medical errors were reported on paper in 75 hospitals (77%), verbally in 30 hospitals (30%), using word processing in 13 hospitals (13%), and using hospital information system in only 3 hospitals (3%). Increased use of electronic reporting systems, and systemic evaluation of the medical errors and adverse events reported, is an essential step for reducing systemic errors and improving patient safety.