Classification and Consequences of Errors in

Objective: To develop a preliminary classification system for errors in otolaryngology. Methods: A retro-spective, anonymous survey was distributed to 2,500 members of the American Academy of Otolaryngolo-gy–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Respondents were asked whether an error had occurred in their practice in the last 6 months, and if so, to describe the error, its consequences, and any corrective action taken. Results: There were 466 (18.6%) responses. Two hundred ten (45 % of respondents) otolaryngologists reported 216 errors. A classification system for errors in otolaryngology was developed. Errors were classi-fied as related to history and physical (1.4%), differ-ential or final diagnosis (1.4%), testing (10.4%), surgi-cal planning (9.9%), wrong-site surgery (6.1%), anesthesia-related (3.3%), wrong drug/dilution on the surgical field (3.8%), technical (19.3%), retained for-eign body (0.9%), equipment-related (9.4%), posto-perative care (8.5%), medical management (13.7%), nursing/ancillary (0.5%), administrative (6.6%), com-munication (3.8%), and miscellaneous (0.9%). There were 78 cases of major morbidity and 9 deaths. If these data are representative, there may be more than 2,600 episodes of major morbidity and more than 165 deaths related to medical error in otolaryngology patients annually. Conclusions: Human error in oto-laryngology occurs in all practice components, in-cluding diagnostic, treatment, surgical, communica-tion, and administrative. Types of errors reported by otolaryngologists differ from those reported by other specialists. Error classification systems may need to reflect each specialty’s realm of practice. Errors in otolaryngology cause appreciable morbidity and mor-tality. Quantitative study of errors and the develop-ment of targeted prevention and amelioration strate-gies should be a high priority. Key Words: Patient safety, complications, adverse events. Laryngoscope, 114:1322–1335, 200