Patient safety in Östergötland Sweden

Patient safety became a priority focus in the year 2000. The initial object was to implement a new way of handling adverse events which included the acquisition of a computer programme. Soon the focus was broadened to patient safety in general.

The main principle is to work in a decentralised manner. Each department and unit is responsible for its own safety and have their own data in the adverse events register. Reports are scrutinised annually by the head of the county health authority.

The Patient Safety Unit was formed in 2005 to inspire and educate departments in the county, to develop and implement modern methods and to assist top management in supervision.