What are events that do not affect outcomes but could lead to serious adverse events if they recur referred to as?

The term used to describe events that do not have a direct impact on outcomes but could potentially lead to serious adverse events if they occur again is "near misses." Near misses are incidents that could have resulted in harm to a patient but did not reach the patient due to chance or timely intervention. Identifying and analyzing near misses is crucial for improving patient safety, as it allows organizations to learn from these incidents and implement strategies to prevent future occurrences.

The focus on near misses is essential in quality improvement initiatives, as they serve as valuable indicators of potential risks within healthcare systems. Organizations can use the insights gained from reviewing near misses to guide staff training, enhance protocols, and fortify safety measures, ultimately promoting a safer healthcare environment.