The objective of this work package (WP4) of the SimPatIE-project was the development of a vocabulary and an internal indicator set for patient safety. This report describes the work done to develop the vocabulary.
The ESQH-office for Quality Indicators in Aarhus, Denmark was the lead partner of WP4. An expert group with European representatives of project partners, stakeholders and external experts was established for the achievement of the aims of WP4.
A literature search was performed to identify nationwide and international definitions of terms related to patient safety. Selecting and defining terms, and clarifying the concepts was done in a formalised consensus process in a sub-group to the expert group, interacting with the expert group. The work was executed using telephone conferences and mail correspondence, the sub-group came once together in the developmental process to deepen the work. The final draft of the vocabulary was sent to the expert group and two patients’ representative for comments. Comments were discussed in a telephone conference of the subgroup, alterations were made accordingly and the vocabulary finalised.
A vocabulary of 24 definitions of patient safety terms covering the domains: “Detection of Risks”, “Analysis of Risks”, “Resulting Actions” and “Failure Mode” was developed and accompanied by illustration overview of the relation of the five core terms of the vocabulary. The terms are available in English language on www.simpatie.org. The vocabulary is aimed at professionals e.g. risk managers, administrators and others working with patient safety.
The vocabulary provides a basis of achieving greater unity of patient safety work in Europe - especially it serves as a basis for applying patient safety evaluation tools of the toolbox of SimPatIE. We highly recommend the vocabulary and the vocabulary framework (Diagram 1) made accessible in the European countries. It should be translated into the European languages using a standardised method, and we recommend adequate local implementation strategies developed; health-care organisations, professional and scientific bodies and educational institutions should be made aware of the existence of the vocabulary, be encouraged to use it suggested so that the key elements can be put into everyday practice.
