What is a near miss in the context of patient safety?

A near miss in the context of patient safety refers to a potential error that could have caused harm but was successfully avoided. This concept is crucial in understanding patient safety dynamics, as it highlights situations where an adverse outcome was averted, allowing healthcare professionals to learn and implement preventive measures before actual harm occurred. Recognizing near misses is essential for improving safety protocols and reducing the risk of future errors.

Analyzing near misses helps in fostering an atmosphere of open communication about safety, encouraging staff to report such incidents without fear of repercussions. This reporting provides valuable data that can be used to identify trends, develop training programs, and improve systems that enhance patient safety.