OUR INCIDENT REPORT POLICY
A variance is any happening or situation that is inconsistent with the routine operations or the routine care of a patient or visitor. This would include those situations considered to be “near misses” or that do not result in an injury.
The person who discovers the variance should fill out the incident report form and notify the Director or Supervisor as soon as possible. Refrain from using comments that are subjective, are based on personal opinion, or are accusatory in nature.
Administration shall decide whether any charges will be adjusted. Every incident report is addressed with follow-up performed as indicated.
WHY FILL OUT AN INCIDENT REPORT?
- An incident report is simply a reporting tool.
- It is one mechanism used to track or collect information.
- You will not get in trouble if you fill out an incident report.
- You can not get anyone else in trouble if you fill out an incident report.
- An incident report should be filled out for any happening that is not normal routine.
- If you are unsure if you should fill out an incident report, fill one out anyway.
- If an incident report involves an injury, every reasonable effort should be made to have the person medically evaluated.
SOME EXAMPLES ON WHEN TO FILL OUT AN INCIDENT REPORT:
- Patient/Visitor/employee injury
- Fall/near fall/near miss
- Threat/Security issue or Police called
- Needle stick/sharps injury
- AMA or patient departure
- Any patient/family complaint
- Loss or damage of personal articles
- Exposure
- Equipment malfunction
- Patient smoking/fire
- Any Code called
- Missed order
- Security Issues
Treatment or Procedure:
- Incorrect amount
- Incorrect or unordered
- Delay
- Omitted
- Any undesired effect
- No consent obtained
- Performance/technique
*An incident report may contain sensitive information and should not be discussed among co-workers, only with your Director.