Health professionals’ perceptions of the development needs of incident reporting software: A qualitative systematic review

AbstractAimTo systemically identify and synthesize information on health professionals’ and students’ perceptions regarding the development needs of incident reporting software.DesignA systematic review of qualitative studies.Data SourcesA database search was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Medic without time or language limits in February 2023.Review methodsA total of 4359 studies were identified. Qualitative studies concerning the perceptions of health professionals and students regarding the development needs of incident reporting software were included, based on screening and critical appraisal by two independent reviewers. A thematic synthesis was conducted.ResultsFrom 10 included studies, five analytical themes were analysed. Health professionals and students desired the following improvements or changes to incident reporting software: (1) the design of reporting software, (2) the anonymity of reporting, (3) the accessibility of reporting software, (4) the classification of fields and answer options and (5) feedback and tracking of reports. Wanted features included suitable reporting forms for various specialized fields that could be integrated into existing hospital information systems. Rapid, user‐friendly reporting software using multiple reporting platforms and with flexible fields and predefined answer options was preferred. While anonymous reporting was favoured, the idea of reporting serious incidents with both patient and reporter names was also suggested.ConclusionHealth professionals and students provided concrete insights into the development needs for reporting software. Considering the underreporting of healthcare cases, the perspectives of healthcare professionals must be considered while developing user‐friendly reporting tools. Reporting software that facilitates the reporting process could reduce underreporting.Reporting MethodThe ENTREQ reporting guideline was used to support the reporting of this systematic review.Patient or Public ContributionThere was no patient or public contribution.Protocol RegistrationThe protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with register number CRD42023393804.