PSO Privacy Protection Center - Common Formats

2. Common Format for Venous Thromboembolism to be Released in October

A beta version of a Common Format for venous thromboembolism (VTE), developed by AHRQ, will be available next month for public comment. Common Formats refer to the common definitions and reporting formats, specified by AHRQ, that allow health care providers to collect and submit standardized information about patient safety events to Patient Safety Organizations. The beta version of the Common Format for VTE includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The format will be revised based on public input and incorporated into the next version of the Common Formats to be used by acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. More information on AHRQ’s Common Format is available on the PSO Privacy Protection Center.

AHRQ Common Formats

AHRQ coordinates the development of Common Formats for reporting patient safety events to Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs). This activity is authorized by the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 (Patient Safety Act) and the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Final Rule (Patient Safety Rule). In collaboration with the Patient Safety Work Group (PSWG), AHRQ has developed Common Formats for two settings of care – acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities.

The term "Common Formats" refers to the common definitions and reporting formats, specified by AHRQ, that allow health care providers to collect and submit standardized information regarding patient safety events. Additional details about the conceptual framework for the content and structure of the Common Formats can be found at http://www.pso.ahrq.gov/formats/eventdesc.htm.

The Common Formats apply to all patient safety concerns, including:

• Incidents—patient safety events that reached the patient, whether or not there was harm;
• Near misses or close calls—patient safety events that did not reach the patient; and
• Unsafe conditions—circumstances that increase the probability of a patient safety event.

PSO Privacy Protection Center - Common Formats