Appendix C : Safety Event Classification ( SEC ) ( adapted from HPI / Press Ganey )
1 ) Deviation from Generally Accepted Performance Standards ( GAPS ): deviations are determined by comparing actual performance to expected performance in reference to both internal and external sources : a . Internal policies , procedures or protocols b . Nationally recognized best practices and standards of care c . Industry-imposed practice mandates and requirements d . Professional practice standards e . Objective review by other experts f . Organization ’ s obligation to best protect patients from harm
2 ) Known Complication Test : a . Was the procedure , treatment or test appropriate and warranted ? b . Was the complication a known risk , was it anticipated , and did the care team plan to take steps to prevent it ? c . Was the complication identified in a timely manner ( i . e . at the time of occurrence )? d . Was the complication treated according to the standard of care and in a timely manner ?
3 ) SEC Algorithm :
If the answer to All four ( 4 ) questions is “ Yes ”, the event is considered a known complication and not a Safety Event . If the answer to Any question is “ No ”, the event is a Safety Event .