If an incident occurs that could injure a patient or visitor, what should you do?

Completing an incident report and submitting it is the appropriate action to take in the event of an incident that could potentially harm a patient or visitor. This process is critical for several reasons.

First, incident reports serve as official documentation of what occurred, providing an account of the circumstances surrounding the incident. This documentation is essential for investigating the incident and identifying any patterns or systemic issues that need to be addressed.

Second, reporting the incident ensures that the appropriate safety measures can be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future. By formally recognizing and addressing the incident, healthcare institutions can improve their protocols and training.

Finally, the completion and submission of an incident report contribute to overall patient safety and quality improvement initiatives within the healthcare environment. By acting promptly and following proper protocols, you support a culture of safety and accountability.

Other options, such as notifying your supervisor and resuming duties, while important, do not fulfill the requirement for official documentation and risk assessment that an incident report provides. Discussing the incident with coworkers may be beneficial for informal support, but it does not replace the need for formal reporting. Waiting for the situation to escalate before acting is not acceptable as it jeopardizes patient and visitor safety.