Barriers and enablers in implementing an electronic incident reporting system in a teaching hospital: A case study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Widespread recognition of the impact of healthcare adverse events has triggered incident reporting system implementation to promote patient safety. The aim was to assess the effectiveness, usability, enablers, and barriers of the Electronic Occurrence Variance Reporting System (eOVR) in addition to end user satisfaction. Methods:This study comprised a cross-sectional survey two years after implementation of the eOVR. Secondary data analysis evaluated the volume of incident reporting before and after implementing the eOVR.Outcome measures: Primary outcome measures: satisfaction and system usability, system security, workplace safety culture, training, and reporting trends. An overall satisfaction was collected. Secondary outcome: rate of reported OVRs per 1000 admissions. Furthermore, barriers and enablers to the reporting process were explored. Results:Study findings indicate that the eOVR has been successful in terms of high satisfaction according to respondents. Most of the respondents found the system easy to access, maintained patient confidentiality and reporting anonymity. Around half the respondents indicated having