July 7, 2006

MGH Safety Reporting System progressing

Since the launch of the new web-based Safety Reporting System in March, more than 5,000 staff members have been trained on the easy-to-use system that replaces the hospital's paper-based incident reporting process. The new system allows staff to submit online reports about any type of safety concern, incident or "close call."

"We are very pleased with how the system's rollout has been progressing," says Gregg Meyer, MD, medical director for the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization. "While many people would be surprised that we would like incident reports to be submitted, that is precisely our goal. If our doctors, nurses and support staff report any kind of safety concern they might have, the hospital can identify problem areas or trends that need to be addressed. This leads to a safer environment for our patients and a more prominent culture of safety for our employees."

The reports are reviewed by the MGH Office of Quality and Safety within 24 to 48 hours of submission and then are sent to the appropriate quality committees or departments for immediate investigation.

"We have been getting helpful feedback from our large user groups that has been useful in addressing some system glitches," says Joan Fitzmaurice, RN, PhD, director for the MGH Office of Quality and Safety. "We are very encouraged that the system is working and will be a tremendous asset to the entire hospital once all clinicians and staff have been trained and are comfortable using it."

Phase two of training is under way and includes physicians, administrative departments, outpatient practices — including primary care, specialty practices, and the health centers — as well as new house staff and other medical trainees. Phase three training — from September through December — will include researchers
and research administration.

Visit http://safety.massgeneral.org for more information about training — including schedules, online tutorials and self-training modules. For more information, call (617) 726-0167. For help reporting an event using the new system, page the Safety Reporting — Help beeper at 1-2355.