What is the definition of an adverse event in a medical context?

An adverse event in a medical context is defined as an injury resulting from a medical intervention. This encompasses any harm or negative consequence that comes about as a direct result of actions taken during the diagnosis, treatment, or management of a patient's condition. Understanding this definition is crucial in healthcare as it helps identify and mitigate risks associated with treatments and procedures, ensuring patient safety and improving quality of care.

The concept specifically highlights that the harm occurred due to an intervention rather than from the underlying disease itself or from failure to treat a condition. Identifying such events allows healthcare providers and systems to analyze causes, implement corrective measures, and enhance protocols to reduce future occurrences. This focus on intervention-related injuries delineates adverse events from other complications which may arise due to factors unrelated to medical actions, such as pre-existing conditions or unexpected outcomes in recoveries.