Lex Maria och dess betydelse för patientsäkerheten

Abstract

Background: Lex Maria is a system that reports health care errors and increases patient

safety. All health care professionals are obligated to report health care errors by Lex Maria.

Reports from Lex Maria-complaints are analysed and new routines are presented to prevent

further errors. Aim: The aim of this study was to compile Lex Maria-reports from four acute

care hospitals in southern Sweden between the years of 2009-2011 and it’s importance for the

patient safety. Method: The study was a quantitative method with a retrospective approach.

Data were collected from records of the Swedish National Board of health and Welfare. Data

was categorized with a qualitative content analysis. Results: The result compiles notifications

by type of notification. The number of reports of Delayed diagnosis increased by 175%,

Delayed treatment increased by 50%, Complication during surgery decreased by 56% and

Medical Technical failure decreased by 25%. Discussion: Possible reasons for the increase in

Delayed diagnosis and Delayed treatment may be linked to overcrowding and its effect on

patients. Reduction of Complications during surgery can be explained by improved surgical

procedures and increased treatment knowledge. Reduction of Medical Technical failure can in

turn be linked to improved procedures when administrating medications. Lex Maria-reports

importance for patient safety were discussed along with proposals of changes in routines.

Conclusion: Lex Maria-reports contribute in process with the purpose to increase the patient

safety. In order to improve care and reduce health damage, it is of importance that health care

professionals follow their duty and report critical events.