Error Detection and Reporting in the Intensive Care Unit: Progress, Barriers, and Future Direction

Purpose of Review: In this article, we aim to assess the current progress the healthcare system has made creating a robust model of error detection and event reporting. In addition, we analyze the impediments to quality improvement on a unit-specific basis such as the impact of reporting on ICU workflow. Recent Findings: There are major barriers to a fully realized inclusive, multimodal error detection system, which has led to uncertainty in the true rate of adverse events and near misses. Summary: Patient safety is the responsibility of every healthcare provider. Healthcare providers must work together to implement a resilient system capable of identifying, collecting, and responding to the preventable harm that frequently occurs in the context of patient care. There has been appreciable progress made thus far, with initiatives such as the Global Trigger Tool, TeamSTEPPS, and CUSP, but more work needs to be done if we are to achieve the desired goal of zero preventable patient harm. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.