Some of the reasons that incident reports are not filed when they should be are somebody deliberately does not want the incident to be reported, somebody didn't think the incident was of credible importance to be reported, or filing an incident report was simply forgotten about.
The first example of why not filing an incident report could be problematic is in when a patient has been given their latest round of medication. If the dosage has been given to the patient but this dosage has not been noted in the incident reports, this could lead to the dosage being issued again. This would be very dangerous and potentially lethal for that patient.
Another example would be if it has been discovered that the patient has an allergic reaction to a particular medicine or food which is then given to them unknowingly. Of course, medical records will often highlight this information, but if it is something that is only discovered later on, it is important that all of the staff caring for that patient are well aware.
The final example could be in the event of any new conditions or symptoms developing for a patient. If the condition of the patient changes, it is important that all medical professionals involved with this patient are fully aware. This is so that the correct action can be taken in the event of something happening.
- Why this is a serious issue
The first example of why not filing an incident report could be problematic is in when a patient has been given their latest round of medication. If the dosage has been given to the patient but this dosage has not been noted in the incident reports, this could lead to the dosage being issued again. This would be very dangerous and potentially lethal for that patient.
- Incorrect medication can be given, endangering lives
Another example would be if it has been discovered that the patient has an allergic reaction to a particular medicine or food which is then given to them unknowingly. Of course, medical records will often highlight this information, but if it is something that is only discovered later on, it is important that all of the staff caring for that patient are well aware.
The final example could be in the event of any new conditions or symptoms developing for a patient. If the condition of the patient changes, it is important that all medical professionals involved with this patient are fully aware. This is so that the correct action can be taken in the event of something happening.