Qsource offers several quality improvement templates that can be used in your facility to reduce adverse drug events (ADEs). They are not meant to replace tools that you may already be using, but rather as supplements to accelerate improvement. Here are three you may find useful:

A Fishbone Diagram, also known as the Ishikawa, is an evidence-based tool used to identify the root causes of a problem. In this case, finding the root cause (primary) and associated causes (secondary) of ADEs and potential ADEs (pADEs) is the focus.

The PDSA Cycle Worksheet (Plan-Do-Study-Act) is an evidence-based tool used to test change to determine whether it led to an improvement. PDSAs are used in continuous quality improvement work and may require more than one cycle be performed. The cycle allows for testing a change in the real work setting by planning it, trying it, observing the results and acting on what is learned.

The SMART Goals Worksheet helps clarify exactly what aim or goal is to be achieved and the objectives and processes for achieving it. SMART stands for
Strategic and Specific
Measureable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-based

Example:
SMART goal:
Decrease anticoagulant related ADEs 10% within Community X within 30 days.
It is specific as to what ADE they will focus, identifies a measurement to track their work and includes a time frame.

Not a SMART goal:
Community X will decrease ADEs.
Is not specific as to what ADE they will focus on. Does not identify a measurement in which to track their work. Does not include a time frame.

To find these quality improvement tools and more information for reducing ADEs, go here.