Effectiveness of Incident Reporting Tools in Ensuring Patient Safety: A Systematic-Narrative Hybrid Review

Valentina Cerrone, Oncology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona University Hospital, Salerno, ItalyFollow
Vincenzo Andretta, Management Planning and Control Unit, San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona University Hospital, Salerno, ItalyFollow
Angela Prendin, Palliative Care and Antalgic Therapy/Pediatric Hospice, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, ItalyFollow
Bernadette Ilardi, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, ItalyFollow
Carloluigi Bonetti, Stroke Unit, Federico II University Hospital, Naples, ItalyFollow
Mario Capunzo, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, ItalyFollow
Marco Cascella, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, ItalyFollow

ORCID

Valentina Cerrone: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5657-6959

Vincenzo Andretta: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9607-2168

Mario Capunzo: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2399-2650

Marco Cascella: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5236-3132

Abstract

Background: Ensuring Patient Safety in healthcare is essential and requires efficient methods to reduce risks and improve the quality of care. Although incident reporting tools are commonly used to identify possible and actual care failures, their efficacy differs among various environments. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of incident reporting tools in enhancing patient safety. Methods: This review employed a combined methodology that integrates systematic and narrative approaches to gain a thorough understanding of incident reporting practices. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies published from January 2013 to December 2023, focusing on the efficacy of incident reporting systems in healthcare. The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) was implemented to evaluate the quality of the studies. Finally, key topics were grouped. Results: The search strategy yielded a total of 4,305 records. Of those, 8 were included in the final analysis. The total SANRA scores varied between 9 and 11 out of 12, indicating a generally high level of scientific reasoning and clarity in objectives among the studies. The descriptive analysis focused on factors influencing effectiveness including organizational culture, system design, and follow-up procedures. Conclusion: Incident reporting tools play a crucial role in patient safety but require proper integration into healthcare systems with supportive cultures and effective feedback mechanisms to realize their full potential.

Recommended Citation

Cerrone V, Andretta V, Prendin A, Ilardi B, Bonetti C, Capunzo M, Cascella M. Effectiveness of Incident Reporting Tools in Ensuring Patient Safety: A Systematic-Narrative Hybrid Review. Patient Experience Journal. 2025; 12(1):83-92. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2001.