The development of a risk identification system in hospitals

Abstract

Risks are chance occurrences that lead to mistakes, damage and danger, which occur under uncertain circumstances. In Dentistry, there are many risks for both operators and patients. Risks can occur before the patients reach the hospital, during and after the operation. Risks can also be caused by the site, the equipment and the healthcare professionals themselves. Therefore, risk reporting through a risk identification system is an effective method to minimize risk. If risks are entered into a risk identification system, preventive methods can be found to reduce the chance of risks occurring in the future. This study realizes that risk identification is very important because it is not only beneficial for dentistry, but also for other hospital activities. Thus, this study has developed a risk-finding approach, from the use of a single-paper note method, the two-paper note, a separating clinical and non-clinical risks method, the use of computer programs, and the use of URLs and QR codes in risk identification. This study is divided into five case studies, focusing on the number of risk reports that occurred and on interviews with the staff in order to collect their opinions on the risk-finding system in each case study. This study revealed that the number of risk reports tended to increase over time. Currently, most staff members may use QR codes to fluently report risks through current risk identification systems, but some personnel still lack technological skills and are used to taking paper notes. Some groups prefer to use computer reporting, while many suggest that there should be multiple and additional ways to report risks. Some of the staff are still trying to learn how to use QR codes in reporting because they have realized the importance of technology.