What information should be excluded from an incident report?

The choice to exclude opinions as to who is responsible for the incident from an incident report is grounded in the principles of objectivity and neutrality in documentation. Incident reports are intended to provide factual information regarding an event for the purpose of understanding and preventing future occurrences. They must focus on what happened, how it happened, and the immediate actions taken in response, rather than attributing blame or responsibility.

Including opinions about responsibility can introduce bias and subjective viewpoints, which may complicate investigations and could lead to legal implications. Such opinions can detract from a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident, as they may reflect personal judgments rather than verified facts. Additionally, this kind of content could lead to conflicts, misinformation, or a hostile environment.

On the other hand, a thorough description of the incident, the name and address of the injured person, and any special instructions provided to the patient are essential components of an incident report. These elements help ensure that there is a complete and accurate account of the situation, facilitating follow-up, analysis, and protective measures for similar future incidents.