What is defined as an event that deviates from the usual operations within a healthcare facility?

An incident is characterized as an event that deviates from the usual operations within a healthcare facility. It encompasses a broad range of occurrences that may impact patient care, safety, or facility function without necessarily being harmful or destructive. Incidents could include situations such as medication errors, near misses, or any unexpected event that prompts a need for investigation or change in procedures. Recognizing these incidents is crucial for improving safety protocols and preventing future occurrences.

In the context of healthcare, while accidents typically imply an unintended outcome that causes injury or damage and emergencies refer to urgent and potentially life-threatening situations, an incident encompasses a wider range of occurrences, including those that may not result in immediate harm but still require attention. A response, on the other hand, focuses on the actions taken following an incident. Understanding this distinction is key to effective safety and infection control practices in any healthcare setting.