What is an adverse event?

An adverse event is specifically defined as an injury that occurs as a result of medical management rather than being a consequence of the patient's underlying condition. This definition highlights that the harm results from the actions taken to treat or diagnose the patient, rather than from the disease itself.

Understanding this concept is crucial for identifying areas of improvement within patient safety and quality of care. It draws attention to the responsibility of healthcare providers in monitoring the effects of their interventions and ensuring that care does not lead to unintended harm, which can be critical for maintaining high levels of patient safety.

In contrast, outcomes that are expected as part of a surgical procedure would fall outside the definition of an adverse event, as they are anticipated risks associated with that intervention. Similarly, beneficial reactions to medications are inherently positive outcomes, thus not fitting the criteria for an adverse event. Lastly, an event that decreases patient satisfaction, while relevant to the overall quality of care, does not define an adverse event, as it does not specifically indicate harm or injury caused by medical actions.