Incident information will be shared with the Rowan University Quality Committee to assist in the improvement of the quality of patient care and the environment in which the care is given; and with insurance companies as required under the contracts of insurance. Prompt reporting of adverse or unexpected events and events that are not consistent with the routine care of a patient also provides an opportunity for immediate intervention by someone able to assist patients and their families, to capture information while facts are remembered, to conduct an early investigation, to improve documentation of the event, to ensure appropriate communication, and to minimize or prevent litigation.
Implementation of this policy is the responsibility the Chairman and Administrator of each clinical department.
This policy applies to all RowanSOM healthcare providers.
Adverse or unexpected events include, but are not limited to unexpected deaths, unanticipated neurological deficits (e.g. nerve injuries, paralysis, sensory deficits, brain damage), substantial disability or disfigurement, medication related issues, medical device problems, misdiagnosis/failure to diagnose/delay in diagnosis, obstetric related incidents, and patient dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes that could result in a claim.
Rowan University is committed to providing quality health care, and to a timely and appropriate response whenever there is any indication that an adverse health care event may have occurred. This requires an effective Incident Reporting System. It is the policy of Rowan University that the Rowan University Office of Risk Management and Insurance (Rowan Risk Management) must be promptly notified when an adverse or unexpected event occurs during the treatment of a patient in the inpatient or outpatient setting. Risk Management will work closely with the RowanSOM healthcare providers and administrators in reviewing, managing, responding to, and (if necessary) reporting the event. Each event is unique and should be managed on a case-by-case basis, with due regard for the patient's privacy, the need to always be attentive to improving practices, and the potential for adverse claims and litigation.
A. Attachment 1, Procedure Regarding an Adverse or Unexpected Event