Which action should be taken when a near-miss event occurs in patient care?

When a near-miss event occurs in patient care, conducting a root cause analysis is critical. This action helps identify the underlying factors that contributed to the near-miss, allowing healthcare providers to understand what happened and why. By analyzing the situation thoroughly, organizations can implement strategies and changes that prevent similar events from occurring in the future, ultimately enhancing patient safety.

A near-miss highlights vulnerabilities in processes or systems that could lead to actual harm, so addressing these issues proactively is essential. Taking the findings of a root cause analysis can lead to significant improvements in clinical practice, staff training, communication, and overall patient care protocols.

Other options, such as ignoring the incident, merely documenting it without further action, or changing the staff involved, do not address the root problems. These approaches do not foster a culture of safety or learning within healthcare settings, which is vital for preventing future incidents and ensuring patient safety.