Prepared for:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

http://www.ahrq.gov

Contract Number: 290-97-0018, Task Order No. 10

Prepared by:

Oregon Health & Science University Evidence-based Practice Center

Portland, Oregon

David H. Hickam, MD, MPH, Principal Investigator

Susan Severance, MPH

Adrianne Feldstein, MD, MS

Leslie Ray, PhD, RN

Paul Gorman, MD

Sherrie Schuldheis, PhD, RN

William R. Hersh, MD

Kathryn Pyle Krages, AMLS, MA

Mark Helfand, MD, MS, EPC Director

Drs. Hickham, Schuldheis, and Helfand are affiliated with the VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon. Dr. Feldstein is also affiliated with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon.

AHRQ Publication No. 03-E031

May 2003

ISBN: 1-58763-083-4

ISSN:1530-4396

This document is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without permission except those copyrighted materials noted, for which further reproduction is prohibited without specific permission of the copyright holders.

On December 6, 1999, under Public Law 106-129, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) was reauthorized and renamed the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The law authorizes AHRQ to continue its research on the cost, quality, and outcomes of health care and expands its role to improve patient safety and address medical errors.

This report may be used, in whole or in part, as the basis for development of clinical practice guidelines and other quality enhancement tools, or a basis for reimbursement and coverage policies. AHRQ or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services endorsement of such derivative products may not be stated or implied.

Suggested Citation:

Hickam DH, Severance S, Feldstein A, et al. The Effect of Health Care Working Conditions on Patient Safety. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 74. (Prepared by Oregon Health & Science University under Contract No. 290-97-0018.) AHRQ Publication No. 03-E??? Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. April 2003.