Preventing Adverse Events

Applying a systems based approach. To Err is Human, to fail to learn is inexcusable

This presentation will examine how a systems based approach to managing adverse event can be implemented within hospital facilities. We will cover how to undergo retrospective analysis following an adverse event to address the systematic issues that contribute to adverse patient outcomes, as well as how to conduct a prospective analysis in order to manage health risks to patients and staff. 
CPD HOURS: 1
 Registration Year 2024-2025

Course Content

Every day in Australia, well trained and dedicated healthcare providers care for 30,411 inpatients. This care is delivered safely and effectively in the overwhelmingly majority of cases.

Despite the best intentions of healthcare providers however, things occasionally do go wrong. Adverse events cause physical and emotional harm to patients, their families, and to affected staff.

This also generates a significant social and financial burden to the healthcare system; the direct costs of managing adverse patient events in Australia are $2 billion annually.

Moving ahead, these statistics can be improved. We should not be preoccupied with simply counting adverse event reports instead we must proactively manage them.   This presentation will examine how a systems based approach to managing adverse event can be implemented within hospital facilities.

We will cover how to undergo retrospective analysis following an adverse event to address the systematic issues that contribute to adverse patient outcomes, as well as how to conduct a prospective analysis in order to manage health risks to patients and staff.

Errors will always occur, however we can design a structured way to review and improve the systems in place to make hospitals safer for all.

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will:
  • Explain how a systems based approach to safety fits within healthcare settings
  • Describe retrospective and prospective analysis
  • Demonstrate how the CAPA Framework ensures implementation of solutions
  • Investigate methods for prospective analysis, including tools for risk analysis

Chamindika Konara

B.ENG (BIOMED), PHD (BIOTECH)

Dr Chamindika Konara received her Doctorate in Biotechnology from University of Queensland and her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the National University of Singapore ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 accredited auditor.