Role of non-punitive management system for initiative report on nursing adverse events in the improvement of patient satisfaction

Objective To investigate the role of non-punitive management system for initiative report of nursing adverse events in the improvement of patient satisfaction.Methods We encouraged nursing staff to report adverse events initiatively ; meanwile,we noted the amount of nursing adverse events from the patients by questionnaires and telephone follow-ups.The nurses reported nursing adverse events initiatively would not receive punishment; nursing mistakes were and identified by focusing on the system and process.We created sharing culture and share the mistakes openly.Those who concealed nursing adverse events would be punished severely.Results Since the establishment of non-punitive management system for initiative report of nursing adverse events in 2008,the number of initiative reports of nursing adverse events has been increasing each year,from 49 in 2008 to 103 in 2011 (P＜0.05).Patient satisfaction has been increasing annually,with an increasing rate of 93.1％ in 2008 to 98.4％ in 2011 (P＜0.05) ; while the number of adverse events associated with nurse responsibility has been declining,from 10 in 2008 to 2 in 2011 (P＜0.05).There was a significant statistical difference (P＜0.05).Conclusions Non-punitive management system for initiative report of nursing adverse events can effectively reduce the number of adverse events associated with nurse responsibility,improve patient satisfaction,and promote nursing quality,achieving results of better service and patient satisfaction. Key words: Nursing adverse events; Non-punitive reporting system; Nursing administration