Significant event analysis: a systems approach to exploring personal impact and improving the analytical process in primary care

Significant event analysis (SEA) is a well-established method of learning from patient safety incidents in primary care, but can be poorly implemented. Two reasons are the emotional impacts on practitioners and lack of a... [ view full abstract ]

Significant event analysis (SEA) is a well-established method of learning from patient safety incidents in primary care, but can be poorly implemented. Two reasons are the emotional impacts on practitioners and lack of a systems-based guiding framework. This work describes the development and testing of 'guiding tools' with multi-professional groups of practitioners (e.g. GPs, dentists and pharmacists) to enhance the effectiveness of the SEA process. The study provided encouraging evidence that applying human factors principles may lead to a more constructive SEA approach.