Table 2 Explanation of patient consequences

Catastrophe

(Expected) death or (expected) severe permanent harm

Very serious

(Expected) permanent harm/major intervention like (re)operation and/or (expected) extended hospitalization or treatment > 7 days/delay of treatment causing severe risk of harm

Serious

(Expected) temporary harm and/or severe pain, for which medical treatment is needed and/or (expected) extended hospitalization or treatment > 3 days/delay of treatment causing risk of harm

Marginally serious

(Expected) minimal harm and/or pain, requiring minor treatment and/or (expected) extended hospitalization or treatment < 3 days/delay of treatment causing minimal risk of harm

None

No harm and no delay, or (expected) delay of treatment causing no harm