Investigation of social and health care accidents and incidents

Safety investigations focus on serious events in social and health care, such as client and patient safety deviations, near misses and adverse events, and patient and client injuries. The decision to initiate an investigation and the investigation itself are carried out entirely on the basis of national legislation. The Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (OTKES) decides whether to start an investigation. The decision is influenced, among other things, by whether another authority is already investigating the event. A joint investigation (thematic investigation) may be conducted for several similar serious events or dangerous situations in social and health care.

The purpose of this investigation branch is to address the examination of serious events and accidents occurring in social and health care and to improve overall safety. Recommendations produced through safety investigations are monitored for ten years. To further develop safety investigations in social and health care, close international cooperation is also carried out.