IBEAS: a pioneer study on patient safety in Latin America: towards safer hospital care

Overview

This study of adverse events (IBEAS) aimed to assess the extent of unsafe care in selected hospitals in Latin America. The objectives of the study were to: estimate the prevalence of adverse events in selected hospitals in the participating countries; strengthen capacity around patient safety research in the region; and raise awareness and contribute to building national agendas for patient safety. The study was conducted in: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru.

The study involved more than 1000 health care workers and researchers in the five countries, fostering a network of trained professionals. Following completion of the study, significant activities at the national and subnational level, including issuing national policy and structures for patient safety started to take place in the participating countries.

Related:

• Patient safety assessments and research
• Adverse events study in Eastern Mediterranean and African countries (2011)
• Summary of the evidence on patient safety: Implications for research (2008)