Adverse events reporting in English hospital statistics: Data relevant to patient safety should not be presented alone and out of context

doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7470.857

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Richard Thomson, director of epidemiology and research (Richard.thomson@npsa.nhs.uk)

National Patient Safety Agency, London W1T 5HD

EDITOR—The publication of Dr Foster's case notes has generated considerable interest,1 but accurately quantifying patient safety incidents is difficult. Methods of intensive case note review provide estimates of adverse events in acute hospitals that range from 2.9% to 16.6%, but definitions, methods, and health systems vary.2 3

The National …