Anesthesia Incident Reporting System

ABOUT
The Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) created the first specialty specific incident reporting system in the United States for collecting individual adverse events from anesthesia, pain management and perioperative care. The Anesthesia Incident Reporting System (AIRS) is an online reporting tool that collects data to develop learning opportunities for anesthesiologists based on their colleagues' experiences. AQI encourages reporting from any clinician who encounters an unintended event related to anesthesia or pain management.
Some examples include: Drug shortage and unusual reaction to an anesthetic medication.

DATA COLLECTION
When submitting data, the reporter can choose to submit either anonymously (no sender contact information is retained) or confidentially (sender contact information is retained). The benefit of reporting confidentially is it allows for the reporter to modify the report or add additional information. Confidential reports allow AQI staff to follow up to clarify any information.

LEGAL PROTECTION
The AIRS database is protected from use in legal proceedings through AQI's status as a federally listed Patient Safety Organization (PSO). As a PSO, federal law protects any patient safety work product from legal discovery and imposes strict confidentiality guidelines. To be in federal compliance, all AIRS data is collected using a secure Internet connection and stored in the AIRS database on the AQI server. It is a PSO requirement, and therefore, it is AQI policy never to release any identifiable data housed in the AIRS database.

AIRS PRODUCTS

• Monthly ASA Monitor Case Report
• Safe Tables to confidentially discuss case studies with other healthcare professionals
• Vaping Module on the AIRS Case Submission page