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Abstract: Incidents and accidents analysis is one part of risk management in healthcare organisations. It is based on methods such as healthcare process analysis and the Association of Litigation and Risk Management (ALARM) method, to understand not only immediate causes but also root causes. The goal is to implement relevant remedial and preventive actions to secure healthcare processes. The hospital''s risk management unit has to be involved in the methodological analysis of every grade zero transfusion incident. The system is based on a retrospective analysis process in compliance with the French National Authority for Health''s ongoing requirements for risk reactive approach, allowing to identify failures and start relevant actions. Healthcare teams should overcome difficulties in order to be totally involved in the process. Human factors recognition, establishment of clear and effective communication between individuals and critical points of control should provide optimum quality care services that are safe and free of unnecessary risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Alps-Mediterranean division of the French blood establishment (EFS Alpes-Mediterranée) has implemented a risk management program. Within this framework, the labile blood product distribution process was assessed to identify critical steps. Subsequently, safety measures were instituted including computer-assisted decision support, detailed written instructions and control checks at each step. Failure of these measures to prevent an incident underlines the vulnerability of the process to the human factor. Indeed root cause analysis showed that the incident was due to underestimation of the danger by one individual. Elimination of this type of risk will require continuous training, testing and updating of personnel. Identification and reporting of nonconformities will allow personnel at all levels (local, regional, and national) to share lessons and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The sanitary vigilances represent a permanent sanitary surveillance. They signal, enregister, treat and investigate the adverse events occurring through the use of health products. They assure the traceability of these health products and the management of the sanitary alerts. The sanitary vigilances are part of the sanitary security. They are optimized when coordinated and integrated to the global risk management process of the health care establishments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Résumé: Les vigilances sanitaires sont apparues au fil du temps. Certaines possèdent un échelon régional, et toutes se trouvent regroupées à l'Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé. Avec la certification des établissements de santé (ES), la coordination des vigilances a évolué : son existence semblait facultative dans la première version de la certification, puis s'est imposée aux ES dans les versions suivantes, en précisant les actions à entreprendre. En parallèle, la gestion des risques au sein d'un établissement de santé est en plein essor. La coordination des vigilances trouve avantage dans le partage d'un système déclaratif commun avec la gestion des risques associés aux soins. La collaboration de la coordination des vigilances et de la gestion des risques permet d'élaborer une cartographie a priori des risques, de mettre en place des analyses des évènements indésirables et d'utiliser la notion de criticité dans le cadre d'une culture sécuritaire globale pour l'établissement de santé. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the morbidity and mortality conferences (MMC) impact in intensive care unit (ICU) setting on quality of care and patients’ safety. Data sources: A review of English and French articles in Medline database (1990–2011) related to MMC in the ICU. Keywords used: “morbidity (and) mortality conference(s)”, “intensive care unit”, “intensive/critical care medicine”. Additional studies identified by hand search in French national guidelines about MMCs and in the Annales Françaises d’Anesthésie Réanimation and Réanimation journals index. Identification and preliminary analysis performed using title and abstract, for every study related to MMC in the ICU. Study selection: Only original studies about MMC in the ICU setting that reported an assessment were included. Papers reporting guidelines and methods for MMC implementation were excluded. Data extraction: Extraction used predefined data fields, including study design, MMC characteristics, assessment methods and results. Data synthesis: Studies about MMC in the ICU are recent and scarce. Results comparison and synthesis are impaired by discrepancies in study designs. Although the effectiveness of MMC is not evidence-based, data are consistent for their positive impact on quality of care and patient safety in the ICU. Conclusion: Further studies are required to assess the impact of MMC in the ICU. Based on this literature review, a 4-level evaluation scheme can be suggested: 1) evaluation of MMC implementation in care units and facilities; 2) evaluation of MMC organization; 3) evaluation of MMC on quality of care; 4) evaluation of MMC impact on patients’ mortality and morbidity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Analysing adverse events is part of the medical practice in so far as the part it plays is outstanding in terms of feedback and improved healthcare safety. The integrated implementation of this practice is based on a four-dimensional system: strategic (corporate policies), cultural (safety-oriented cultural mindset), structural (dedicated organization and resources) and technical (methodologies and utilities). Two case studies illustrate the sequencing process from selecting the to-be-analyzed event down to figuring out the appropriate action plan. Beyond the visible and obvious origin, thanks to the implemented methods such as causal tree or ALARM method, far-fetched analysis elements and identified factors likely to explain events can be discovered. Comments on the role and terms of feedback are also hereto expressed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]