Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

IHI Global Trigger Tool for Measuring Adverse Events

The use of "triggers" or clues to identify adverse events is an effective method for measuring the overall level of harm in a health care organization. The IHI Global Trigger Tool for Measuring Adverse Events  provides instructions for training reviewers in this methodology and conducting a retrospective review of patient records using triggers to identify possible adverse events. This tool includes a list of known triggers as well as instructions for selecting records, training information, and appendices with references and common questions. The tool provides instructions and forms for collecting the data you need to track three measures:

• Adverse Events per 1,000 Patient Days
• Adverse Events per 100 Admissions
• Percent of Admissions with an Adverse Event