Table 1 Incident severity classification system recommended by the National University Hospital Council of Japan
Level | Continuity of injury | Severity of injury | Outcome/Treatment of injury |
|---|---|---|---|
Level 0 | – | – | Error or trouble with a pharmaceutical or medical device was found, but did not affect the patient |
Level 1 | None | – | There was no harm to the patient (but there was a possibility of some influence) |
Level 2 | Transient | Mild | Treatment was not necessary (mild change in vital signs, need for increased patient observation, examination for confirmation of safety, etc.) |
Level 3a | Transient | Moderate | Simple treatment was required (disinfection, poultice, skin suture, administration of analgesics, etc.) |
Level 3b | Transient | Severe | Substantial treatment was required (significant change in vital signs, use of artificial respirator, surgery, prolongation of hospitalization, hospitalization, fracture, etc.) |
Level 4a | Permanent | Mild to moderate | Permanent disability or subsequent complication remained, but was not accompanied by significant dysfunction or an aesthetic problem |
Level 4b | Permanent | Moderate to severe | Permanent disability or subsequent complication remained, accompanied with significant dysfunction or an aesthetic problem |
Level 5 | Death | – | Death (excluding those due to the natural course of the underlying disease) |