Mixed-methods evaluation of real-time safety reporting by hospitalized patients and their care partners: the MySafeCare application.

Collins SA, Couture B, Smith AD, et al. J Patient Saf. 2018 Apr 27; [Epub ahead of print].

Detecting adverse events in the health care setting remains an ongoing challenge. Engaging patients and their family members may help to escalate safety issues not identified by other means. In this mixed-methods study, investigators analyzed the types of issues patients and their care partners reported in real time through a web-based electronic application implemented on three hospital units. After implementation of the tool, event reporting by patients to the Patient Family Relations Department declined, suggesting that patients preferred to report concerns anonymously through the application. The authors conclude that additional research is needed to understand how these types of applications could be integrated into patient safety programs. A past PSNet perspective highlighted how patient-facing technologies can empower patients.

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