Defining, identifying, and measuring error in emergency medicine

The findings of a consensus committee created to address the definition, me asurement, and identification of error in emergency medicine (EM) are prese nted. The literature of error measurement in medicine is also reviewed and analyzed. The consensus committee recommended adopting a standard set of te rms found in the medical error literature. Issues surrounding error identif ication are discussed. The pros and cons of mandatory reporting, voluntary reporting, and surveillance systems are addressed, as is error reporting at the clinician, hospital, and oversight group levels. Committee recommendat ions are made regarding the initial steps EM should take to address error. The establishment of patient safety boards at each institution is also reco mmended.