Incidence, criticality and typology of care-related adverse events in nursing homes based on initial epidemiological characteristics and possible prevention measures in France.

Abstract

Knowledge of care-related adverse events in nursing homes in France is limited. An observational descriptive study was conducted in 25 nursing homes over a period of two weeks between 2016 and 2017. This study aimed to describe types of care-related adverse events and to assess their severity, the frequency with which they occurred, and their criticality. Eighty-six types of care-related adverse events, associated with 13 risk areas, were identified (31 of which were identified by an investigating physician). Of these types of events, 11 corresponded to an unacceptable level of criticality, and 13 were categorised as warranting surveillance. Efforts in nursing homes should focus on the different types of care-related adverse event: loss of or damage to a medical device, failure to administer medication, failure to coordinate between different establishments, shortfalls in planning and continuity of care, shortfalls in the information system, loss of or damage to laundry items, and unauthorised exit from the premises. Broad recommendations on preventing adverse events and improving nursing homes should be the subject of future study.