Anne van Dalen

General Introduction I 21 and their definitions, as presented in Table 1. 19 Type o f errors There is consensus that both technical and non-technical errors should be recognized and prevented with appropriate educational interventions. 68 Non-technical errors are related to non-technical skills or human factors such as decision-making, communication, Table 1. Patient safety terms and their definitions by Vincent. 19 Patient Safety Term Definition System A set of interdependent elements (people, processes, equipment) that interact to achieve a common aim. Safety “The avoidance, prevention and amelioration of adverse outcomes or injuries stemming from the process of healthcare.” Hazard Any threat to safety, e.g. unsafe practices, conduct, equipment, labels, names. Error The failure of a planned action to be completed as intended (i.e. error of execution) or the use of a wrong plan to achieve an aim (i.e. error of planning). Latent error A defect in the design, organization, training or maintenance in a system that leads to operator errors and whose effects are typically delayed. Event Any deviation from usual medical care that causes an injury to the patient or poses a risk of harm. Adverse Event Unintended injury related to medical management, in contrast to complications of disease, that is serious enough to result in disability, death, or prolonged hospitalization.