A study published in Pediatrics identified the highest-priority patient safety research topics among pediatricians, healthcare leaders and families.
Parents and site leaders associated with facilities within the Children's Hospitals Solutions for Patient Safety Network responded to two anonymous e-mail surveys. Additionally, researchers used qualitative interviews with health system executives to gather their opinions regarding top priorities for pediatric patient safety research.
The first survey elicited 107 respondents, who identified 49 unique research topics. A key stakeholder panel developed a final list of 24 topics, and the second survey had 74 respondents who rated the importance of each topic.
The following top-priority research topics emerged:
• High reliability
• Safety culture
• Open communication
• Early detection of patient deterioration and sepsis
During the qualitative interviews, health system executives highlighted diagnostic error, medication safety, deterioration and ambulatory patient safety as priority research areas.