Citation

Wiig S, Braithwaite J, Clay-Williams R. Int. J. Qual. Health Care 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Balaclava Rd, 2109 Sydney, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/intqhc/mzaa013

PMID

32186719

Abstract

Accident models and theoretical foundations underpinning safety investigations are key to understanding how investigators construct causality and make recommendations. Safety science has devoted large efforts to investigating and theorizing about accidents. Why doesn't healthcare pay more interest to these theories when investigating healthcare accidents? We use established accident theories to suggest how these can support safety investigations in healthcare and provide new lenses to investigatory bodies. We reflect on examples from research and practice in healthcare systems and other high-risk industries. Investigation processes and reports serve multiple purposes. We argue there is an untapped improvement potential for healthcare safety investigations and suggest new ways of integrating different accident theoretical reflections with investigatory practice.

© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care.

Language: en

Keywords

accident models; investigation; safety science