Quality Management 2017

Recommendations on terminology

Term

Use

Definition

Accident

Not to be used An unplanned, unexpected, and undesired event, usually with adverse consequences.

Adverse event

To be used instead of ”accident”

An event that results in unintended harm to the patient by an act of commission or omission rather than by the underlying disease or condition of the patient. Any side effects related to the accepted treatment are excluded.

Near miss event

An event which does not reach the patient

No harm or minor event

An event that reaches the patient but does not result in harm to the patient