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Purpose
The aim of this paper is to generate a debate regarding the value of incident reporting in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper critiques the dominant approach to patients in the UK.
Findings
It is suggested that the reliability of health care processes would need to substantially improve before an incident reporting system can have a meaningful impact on patient safety.
Practical implications
Greater benefits in patient safety will be accrued by focusing resources on designing reliable processes rather than the extension of incident reporting.
Originality/value
This paper offers a local perspective on a potentially flawed national strategy.
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited
2008
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