Which classification applies when an event could have harmed a patient but did not?

The classification of "Close Call" is appropriate in this context because it refers to situations where an incident had the potential to cause harm to a patient but ultimately did not result in any actual harm. This term highlights the importance of identifying near misses in healthcare settings, as they serve as critical learning opportunities to improve safety protocols and prevent future incidents. Understanding that a close call occurred encourages healthcare teams to analyze the circumstances that led to the situation, enhancing their awareness and reducing risks in the future.

The other classifications, such as Catastrophic, Major, and Minor, typically describe varying degrees of harm that patients have actually experienced, rather than instances where harm was narrowly avoided. Catastrophic refers to severe patient injury or death, Major indicates significant but not life-threatening injury, and Minor encompasses less serious injuries. By focusing on close calls, healthcare providers can strengthen their systems and training to ensure better patient safety overall.