A REVIEW ON THE EFFECT OF REPORTING SYSTEM IN PROMOTING PATIENT SAFETY IN NATIONAL HOSPITAL, ABUJA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Patient safety is a vital aspect of high-quality healthcare that demands methodical methods to reduce risks and improve patient outcomes. As healthcare organisations work to foster a culture of safety and transparency, reporting systems' efficacy in promoting patient safety has drawn a lot of attention recently. Reporting systems, such as near-miss, incident, and safety event assessments, are essential instruments for spotting possible risks, promoting education, and putting preventative measures in place (Harrison, 2021).

An adverse event, also known as a healthcare incident, is any unfavourable event that either directly or indirectly affects patients, carers, or other individuals. Examples of these events include medical errors, patient injuries, and equipment failures. The prevention of unintentional or unanticipated injury to patients while they are receiving medical care is known as patient safety.  Since the occurrence of adverse events owing to hazardous care is probably one of the ten top causes of death and disability worldwide, patient safety is a crucial component of healthcare services.  In affluent nations, it is believed that one out of every ten patients suffers injury while undergoing hospital care. Hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) record approximately 2.6 million deaths and 134 million adverse occurrences per year.  These numbers show that people suffer grave effects as a result of medical blunders.

One of the key elements of a patient safety culture is a reporting culture. Patient safety learning systems have been developed at hospital and national levels in numerous countries, notwithstanding the possibility that underreporting hinders their effectiveness. A key component of the patient safety learning system is the proactive reporting of an individual involved in the error. The system comprises investigation, analysis, feedback, and reporting of adverse events and near misses. Healthcare professionals are urged to record near misses, adverse events, or sentinel occurrences to the in-hospital reporting system and occasionally to a national-level reporting system as part of the patient safety learning system (Cohen & Matz, 2023).

Strong reporting systems have a beneficial effect on patient safety outcomes, according to recent studies. For example, it has been demonstrated that the implementation of anonymous reporting systems increases healthcare staff' willingness to report occurrences without fear of reprisal, leading to a more thorough awareness of safety issues (Dixon-Woods, 2020). Furthermore, good reporting systems promote a continuous improvement culture by motivating employees to participate in safety activities, which eventually improves patient outcomes (Fischer, 2022).

Notwithstanding the evident advantages, there are still difficulties in putting reporting systems into place and using them. The efficiency of these systems may be hampered by elements including poor training, a lack of support from the leadership, and cultural differences (Weaver, 2020). As a result, healthcare organisations are increasingly required to make training investments and establish a culture that views reporting as an essential component of patient care as opposed to a punitive measure (Huang, 2021).

Additionally, there are chances to improve the efficacy and efficiency of patient safety reporting by the incorporation of technology into reporting systems, such as electronic health records and real-time data analytics (Kuwabara, 2021). Healthcare companies may enhance patient safety by better tracking incidents, analysing data, and implementing evidence-based interventions by utilising these technology improvements.

There are several factors that contribute to the impact of reporting systems on patient safety, including organisational culture and technology integration. Understanding the importance of efficient reporting systems in preserving patient well-being is crucial as the healthcare industry develops hence the need for this study.

 Statement of the problem

As healthcare systems become more complicated, strong reporting procedures are required to improve patient safety. Nevertheless, underreporting of adverse events and near misses plagues many healthcare organisations, undermining attempts to enhance patient safety (Davis et al., 2022). Research has demonstrated that efficient reporting systems are essential for spotting patterns, comprehending the underlying reasons of safety accidents, and putting preventative measures in place (Weiner, 2023). Despite these advantages, there are still obstacles that need to be overcome, including a culture of silence that may jeopardise patient care, lack of training, and fear of reprisals (Cohen & Matz, 2023).

Furthermore, questions concerning the authenticity and trustworthiness of the data obtained are raised by the variations in reporting practices among various healthcare settings (Johnson et al., 2022). According to Tomney (2023), hospitals that have well-established reporting systems typically exhibit reduced incidence of adverse events in comparison to those that lack such solid processes. However, it is more difficult to conduct meaningful comparisons and apply best practices across organisations because to the absence of standardisation in reporting criteria and procedures (Lion, 2023). This discrepancy emphasises the necessity of studying the components of efficient reporting systems and how they affect patient safety results.

This study attempts to explore how reporting mechanisms affect patient safety in healthcare organisations in light of these concerns. Through an analysis of the correlation between patient safety measures and reporting methods, this study aims to pinpoint critical elements that support efficient reporting and formulate suggestions for healthcare executives to elevate safety culture and optimise patient outcomes.

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The primary objective of this study is to carry out a review on the effect of reporting system in promoting patient safety in National Hospital, Abuja. Specifically the study seeks:

To find out whether there is a current reporting system in place at National Hospital, Abuja.

To assess whether the current reporting system is effective in identifying patient safety incidents at National Hospital, Abuja.

To examine the impact of reported incidents on the development and implementation of patient safety initiatives at National Hospital, Abuja.

To investigate the barriers and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in utilizing the reporting system effectively at National Hospital, Abuja.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

Is there a current reporting system in place at National Hospital, Abuja?

Is the current reporting system effective in identifying patient safety incidents at National Hospital, Abuja?

What are the impact of reported incidents on the development and implementation of patient safety initiatives at National Hospital, Abuja?

What are the barriers and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in utilizing the reporting system effectively at National Hospital, Abuja?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The stated hypothesis will validate this study:

Ho1: There is no significant effect of reporting system in promoting patient safety in National Hospital, Abuja.

Ha1: There is a significant effect of reporting system in promoting patient safety in National Hospital, Abuja.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study is significant because it has the potential to further our understanding of how better reporting systems might promote patient safety in healthcare settings. Patient outcomes, satisfaction, and the entire functioning of the health system are all directly impacted by patient safety, which is an essential aspect of high-quality healthcare. In order to provide empirical evidence that can guide healthcare policies and practices, this study will look into the relationship between patient safety and reporting systems.

Furthermore, the results of this study may have a wide range of effects on the creation and improvement of reporting systems. In addition to gathering information on unfavourable occurrences, a well-thought-out reporting architecture makes it easier to spot patterns and trends that can point to deeper problems within the company.

Additionally, the research might cover the components of reporting systems that are related to education. Healthcare companies can create training programs that stress the significance of correct reporting by knowing how good reporting affects patient safety. This can enable healthcare professionals to understand their critical role in patient safety and motivate them to actively participate in reporting procedures.

Ultimately, this study can serve as a foundational resource for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and researchers, facilitating a deeper understanding of the critical role that reporting systems play in promoting patient safety and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study aims to review the effect of reporting system in promoting patient safety in National Hospital, Abuja. Empirically, this study assesses the impact of reported incidents on the development and implementation of patient safety initiatives and the barriers and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in utilizing the reporting system effectively.

This study will be carried out at the National Hospital, Abuja.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that it is a new discourse thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. However in spite of the constraint all these constraint were downplayed to give the best.

1.9 Definition of terms

Reporting system: A reporting system is a structured process or set of tools used to collect, analyze, and present information or data, often for decision-making, monitoring, or compliance purposes. It typically includes the methods for gathering data, the format for reporting it, and the channels through which it is communicated.

Patient safety: Patient safety refers to the practices and measures taken to prevent harm or injury to patients during healthcare delivery. It involves ensuring that healthcare services are provided in a safe environment, minimizing errors, and promoting effective communication among healthcare providers.

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