In March 2018, American Data Network PSO celebrated the good catch campaign results achieved by the Arkansas hospitals that participated in ADNPSO’s 2017 Good Catch Campaign. These organizations increased Near Miss reporting by 47% over baseline and provided valuable evidence that sharing and studying near miss events fuels learning and improvement. By September, ADNPSO checked in with the 45 Good Catch hospitals to assess their Near Miss programs six months post-campaign. Forty-two percent of hospitals responded, and here’s what we learned from them:
First, 100% of respondents confirmed that Near Miss reporting remains a priority. The reporting and analysis of Near Miss events are recognized as an effective patient safety improvement strategy that works. For more detailed insights on how hospitals can replicate these successes, explore our comprehensive good catch initiative article.
Sixty-three percent of those facilities report a decrease in overall patient safety incidents, attributing this improvement to corrections and initiatives inspired by lessons learned from Near Miss reporting. For a step-by-step process on implementing similar strategies, refer to our good catch program guide.
Tip: Hover over or tap graph to view the title and value of the data element.ADNPSO also introduced a three-tier safety culture scale for hospitals:
Eighty-four percent of the hospitals describe their current environment as either Engaged or Empowered. In these facilities, patient safety is being embraced at all levels of leadership and staffing. Hospitals looking to align their reporting and safety culture can access our blueprint and checklist for proven strategies.
These findings reinforce ADNPSO’s view of Near Miss reporting as a driver for building trust within teams, strengthening safety culture, and ultimately reducing adverse events. The remainder of the survey responses offer insights into how hospitals are sustaining or expanding their Near Miss programs and what challenges may be holding others back.
Forty-two percent of facilities have observed a decrease in Near Miss reports since the end of the campaign, confirming early predictions: Prioritizing near miss reporting requires ongoing efforts to educate staff, provide feedback, and reward good catches. Additional findings point to these as proven strategies for sustaining improvements. For more guidance on implementing an effective program, check out our patient safety event reporting guide.
Education on the value of Near Miss reporting and proper reporting procedures is a major factor in maintaining and growing these programs. Fifty-two percent of hospitals emphasized the importance of relevant and timely feedback, while 68% acknowledged that encouraging and rewarding staff plays a key role in sustaining engagement.
Tip: Hover over or tap graph to view the title and value of the data element.Seventy-nine percent of hospitals confirmed continued support from C-suite leadership, with progress being shared during leadership and board meetings. This finding is particularly significant because senior leader engagement is critical for driving organization-wide culture change. Staff respond positively when they see leadership embracing just culture and leveraging vulnerabilities to drive improvements. To help your organization foster a just culture, explore our national patient safety goals guide.
Near Misses continue to be a key topic of discussion at multiple levels of engagement across organizations. In 74% of hospitals, frontline staff regularly discuss Near Misses in meetings, with the same being true at the departmental level. In 58% of hospitals, senior leaders and board members are also participating in conversations focused on Near Miss findings. It’s encouraging to see that many hospitals have integrated this topic into New Employee Orientation programs and Annual Employee Education plans. Additionally, discussions with physicians and consultations during shift changes present further opportunities for improvement.
While providing the education, feedback, and recognition necessary to sustain Near Miss reporting seems straightforward, balancing these tasks with the multitude of priorities in a hospital setting is challenging. Although 25% of facilities report no barriers to implementing a Near Miss program, 63% are struggling to manage competing priorities. Cultural challenges also arise, such as convincing staff that reporting a Near Miss for shared learning, rather than just fixing the problem on the spot, is critical to improving overall care.
Finally, 79% of hospitals that provided post-campaign feedback reported an improvement in overall culture, positioning them for continued success. Effective communication and fostering a safe environment for sharing Near Miss stories are key strategies for engaging staff and ultimately enhancing care. For hospitals seeking to optimize their approach, explore our good catch toolkit for actionable resources.
The results of ADNPSO’s Good Catch Campaign showcase the undeniable impact of prioritizing Near Miss reporting as a strategy for improving patient safety and fostering a strong safety culture. By continuing to educate staff, provide timely feedback, and recognize good catches, hospitals can sustain and even expand their reporting efforts. As 79% of hospitals have demonstrated, a commitment to cultivating a just culture and engaging leadership at all levels is essential for long-term success. For additional resources on how to strengthen your Near Miss initiatives, download our comprehensive good catch ebook and blueprint and checklist to guide your hospital’s journey to safer, more effective care.
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