Running head: ADVERSE EVENTS OR NEAR-MISS ANALYSIS 1
Adverse Events or Near Miss Analysis: The Case of Patient Falls
Celine Mwalawa
Capella University
Quality Improvement for Interprofessional Care
Adverse Events or Near Miss Analysis
January,2024
, ADVERSE EVENTS OR NEAR MISS ANALYSIS 2
Adverse Events or Near Miss Analysis: The Case of Patient Falls
Background on Adverse Events
The cases of preventable adverse events or near miss events seem to show no signs of
relenting. By virtue of this, these instances have slowly been on the rise. It is more essential to
note that certain serious adverse events that are clearly preventable have been key and leading
incentives toward mortality and morbidity in the United States (David, 2017). There are
numerous, varying cases of adverse events. For example, some notable adverse or near miss
events may include patient falls, medical errors, diseases acquired within the vicinity of the
hospital or healthcare facility, and many more (Mendes, Pavao, Martins, Moura, & Travassos,
2013).
According to Starmer et al. (2013), the gradual increase in cases of morbidity and
mortality resulting from preventable adverse events have been key motives toward the
implementation of initiatives aimed at curbing the latter. Furthermore, Starmer et al. (2013)
countenance the fact that some cases of adverse events, such as miscommunication at the
hospital setting, have at some point culminated in fatalities or have alternatively inflicted
physical injuries to some patients. Worse still, even children have at multiple times been victims
of the preventable adverse events. However, this research paper will particularly place its focus
and emphasis toward patient falls as adverse or near miss events that can easily be prevented.
Patient Falls as an Adverse Event: Literature Review and Analysis of the Available Data
Watson, Salmoni, and Zecevic (2015) reiterate that patient falls have been gaining
unprecedented prevalence across different hospitals at an alarming rate. Patient falls are
particularly more common among elderly patients. The fatalities that have been reported in
relation to patient falls, too, are a clear reflection that, indeed, there ought to be serious focus and
Adverse Events or Near Miss Analysis: The Case of Patient Falls
Celine Mwalawa
Capella University
Quality Improvement for Interprofessional Care
Adverse Events or Near Miss Analysis
January,2024
, ADVERSE EVENTS OR NEAR MISS ANALYSIS 2
Adverse Events or Near Miss Analysis: The Case of Patient Falls
Background on Adverse Events
The cases of preventable adverse events or near miss events seem to show no signs of
relenting. By virtue of this, these instances have slowly been on the rise. It is more essential to
note that certain serious adverse events that are clearly preventable have been key and leading
incentives toward mortality and morbidity in the United States (David, 2017). There are
numerous, varying cases of adverse events. For example, some notable adverse or near miss
events may include patient falls, medical errors, diseases acquired within the vicinity of the
hospital or healthcare facility, and many more (Mendes, Pavao, Martins, Moura, & Travassos,
2013).
According to Starmer et al. (2013), the gradual increase in cases of morbidity and
mortality resulting from preventable adverse events have been key motives toward the
implementation of initiatives aimed at curbing the latter. Furthermore, Starmer et al. (2013)
countenance the fact that some cases of adverse events, such as miscommunication at the
hospital setting, have at some point culminated in fatalities or have alternatively inflicted
physical injuries to some patients. Worse still, even children have at multiple times been victims
of the preventable adverse events. However, this research paper will particularly place its focus
and emphasis toward patient falls as adverse or near miss events that can easily be prevented.
Patient Falls as an Adverse Event: Literature Review and Analysis of the Available Data
Watson, Salmoni, and Zecevic (2015) reiterate that patient falls have been gaining
unprecedented prevalence across different hospitals at an alarming rate. Patient falls are
particularly more common among elderly patients. The fatalities that have been reported in
relation to patient falls, too, are a clear reflection that, indeed, there ought to be serious focus and
