The reporting of adverse events in Johannesburg Academic Emergency Departments

INTRODUCTION: Adverse events (AE) are a common occurrence in healthcare systems; however, the frequency of AEs occurring in South Africa and especially Emergency Departments (ED) is unknown. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency of AEs experienced by Healthcare providers (HCP) and the frequency of formal reporting thereafter over a 12-month period. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was performed amongst HCPs at Helen Joseph Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital EDs. The questionnaire incorporated ED relevant AEs using the South African National Procedural Manual for Patient Safety Incident Reporting and Learning. RESULTS: The questionnaires from 51 doctors and 49 nurses were analysed. All HCPs experienced >10 AEs over 1 year. Nurses were 21 times more likely than doctors to report >10 AEs (p < 0.001). Twenty four percent of AEs experienced were deemed to be minor, very minor or not adverse. CONCLUSION: There are low levels of formal AE reporting, especially amongst doctors, within Johannesburg Academic EM Departments despite large numbers of AEs experienced. There are multiple barriers, which influence these reporting practices. Improved reporting systems are needed to affect a change in the current environment.