TRACE

— stands for “Tool for the Retrospective Analysis of Critical Events.” It is a scientifically grounded, practical tool for an evidence-based identification and analysis of the factors that contribute to critical incidents.

Premise

Despite all efforts to detect and correct human errors, they will continue to happen. TRACE adds empirical foundation to the systematic inquiry regarding critical events, illuminating particular error-prone intrapersonal or interpersonal actions that tend to reoccur in medical practice.

The TRACE provides practitioners and health care institutions with the means for a comprehensive, detailed analysis of human performance across the spectrum of five clinical practice contexts: (1) medical history assessment, (2) diagnosis, (3) treatment planning, (4) treatment execution, and (5) post-treatment care.

It particularly lends itself as (1) the means for a comprehensive, detailed analysis of human performance across five clinical practice contexts, (2) an objective “fact-check” after the occurrence of a critical event, (3) a heuristic tool to prevent critical incidents, and (4) a data-keeping system to enhance quality improvement.

Another significant contribution of the TRACE is its identification of the sometimes close link between error and innovation. It is in this area where science and medicine advance, as the mechanism of success is explicated and replicated through case reports. Important trial-and-learn experiences require informed deviations from medical guidelines and may evidence more effective treatment solutions.

In summary, TRACE is an accurate and efficient data keeping system that empirically enhances and supports quality improvement efforts.

Content

Scientific Background

Hannawa, A. F., & Roter, D. L. (2013). A diagnostic Tool for the Retrospective Analysis of Critical Events (TRACE). Patient Education and Counseling, 93, 230-238.