Three categories of behavior are: human errors, at-risk behaviors, and reckless behaviors.
Human errors: are entirely unintentional and usually due to environmental issues, poor processes, programs, education, or situations.
These are managed by correcting the cause like changes in environment, design, looking at the process, and fixing the deviation—not the human.
Example: Look-Alike Sound-Alike Medications
At-risk behaviors: Accepting a known risk for overriding reasons or lack of awareness of a known risk , occur when it’s easier to make the wrong choice. (Intentional action but unintended outcome).
These are managed by removing incentives for risky behaviors, creating incentives for healthy behaviors and increasing situational awareness.
Example: a checklist is not used before a procedure to save time (perceived as unnecessary).
Reckless behaviors: are conscious decisions to put your self or others at risk (Intentional action with a probable outcome, though not desired).
These are managed by: discipline and punishment
Example: disregarding inaccurate sponge/instrument count in surgery (self-assured of accuracy).
Dr. Khalid Abulmajd
Healthcare Quality Consultant