Problems Involving Patient Safety in Japan

Focus on Incident-Accident Reporting System

Abstract

In Japan, the incident-accident reporting system has been playing a major role in improving patient safety, but some problems are becoming clear. One of the most serious problems is the uncertainty of the effect of the reports. Actually, in many cases, it is difficult to present the effective remedy for reported incidents. We fear an increase in such cases will prompt medical staff to lose their trust that this system improves patient safety. Another major problem concerns the proper way to use the system. Although most of the area hospitals adopt it, doctors haven't reported any incidents or accidents in half of the hospitals. This might mean that the provision for patient safety is not appropriately conducted in at least 50% of the hospitals. For the sake of patient safety, it is necessary to use the incident-accident reporting system properly, with understanding of its defects.