Physicians ’ and nurses’ perceptions of patient safety risks in the emergency department

The emergency department (ED) has been described as a high-risk area where errors commonly occur (Camargo et al., 2012,Fordyce et al.; 2003., Forster et al., 2007). An error is defined as a failure made in the process of care that results in, or has the potential to result in harm to patients (Kohn LT, 1999). Working conditions in the ED such as a high workload and staff shortages have been identified in surveys and interviews with ED staff members as common stressors and described as important patient safety concerns (Flowerdew et al., 2012a; Sklar et al., 2010).

Source: International Emergency Nursing - February 15, 2017 Category: Nursing Authors: Ann-Sofie K ällberg, Anna Ehrenberg, Jan Florin, Jan Östergren, Katarina E Göransson Source Type: research