When to file a psi
“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets”
- Paul Batalden
File a PSI report when you feel that a system is unsafe and needs extra attention.
It will be reviewed by committees with resident representation.
The goal is to improve our systems and to reward, not punish, those who speak up.
EXAMPLE SCENARIOS:
When harm is done to a patient - This one is clear: report it!
The system is unsafe in some way - can we prevent this from happening again?
2. When a mistake is made & reaches the patient, but no harm results - Report it!
"But the patient is ok." Yeah, this time. The next patient may not be so lucky. This is an opportunity to make our systems safer.
3. When a patient reports a potentially unsafe situation or process that they witnessed - Report it!
We want to create a culture where everyone, including patients, feels free to report unsafe situations.
4. When a mistake is made, but caught before its effects can reach the patient; no harm results - Noticing a theme? Report it!
Again, something about the system (perhaps many coincident 'somethings') has enabled a mistake. Let's fix it.
5. When you have an argument or difficult interaction with another staff member - Don't report it!
Ah, gotcha! While it is always important to feel like you can approach colleagues in a respectful way, perhaps even by debriefing after a difficult interaction, it is unlikely to represent a system issue so the PSI reporting tool may not be the best venue (discussing the issue with a supervisor is a great start).
6. When you think there might be a safety issue, but aren't sure - Report it!
We would hate to miss out on a potentially important safety report, so err on the side of caution.
Clinical situations, like the systems in which they occur, can be very complex.
We strive for a system where people feel comfortable reporting conditions that may be unsafe, without fear of punishment/reprisal.
If you have any questions or concerns related to the quality/safety of the care we provide, feel free to email Jake Luty, MD at lutyj@ohsu.edu