In a comprehensive analysis of a decade’s worth of data from a tertiary surgical service in South Africa, researchers documented a notable 22% adverse event rate among 52,835 admissions. A total of 14,537 adverse events were identified, primarily linked to clinical care (57.3%) and pathology (21.4%). Indwelling devices and iatrogenic injuries were the most common culprits in clinical care-related incidents. Although data show a decline in adverse events from 2016 to 2022, their prevalence indicates ongoing concerns requiring proactive management strategies.
Journal Article by Wain H, Clarke DL and Wall S in S Afr Med J