Steps in the Process of Risk Management in Healthcare

Risk is a probability/threat of damage, injury, liability loss that is caused by vulnerabilities and that may be avoided through pre-emptive action/s. Interaction of humans with health systems pose a threat to them mainly because of the; complex technology, intensely complex procedures, high demand on services, time pressure, high expectations from the service users, hierarchical by nature of training and responsibilities. W.H.O estimates show that in developed countries as many as 1 in 10 patients is harmed while receiving hospital care [1]. According to AHRQ national health disparities report 2013, rate of harm associated with hospital stays in U.S hospitals is 25.1 per 100 admissions [1]. Major contributors to these hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) were; adverse drug events, catheter associated urinary tract infections, patient falls, pressure ulcers, surgical site infection, central line associated infections, venous thrombo-embolism and ventilator associated pneumonia [2]. According to Institute for Healthcare improvement (IHI), medical errors have become the third leading cause of death in the United States each year, behind cancer and heart disease [1]. A 13.5 percent rate of harm was identified within the US Medicare population by the Office of Inspector General using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Global Trigger Tool [3].