How to Cite the IOM Report To Err is Human in APA

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System” is a significant publication that addresses the issue of medical errors and patient safety. Citing this report correctly in academic writing is essential to acknowledge its contributions and provide proper attribution. This article provides guidance on citing the IOM report in APA style, along with relevant information and facts related to the report’s findings and recommendations.

Key Facts

  • For the first citation: (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2000)
  • For subsequent citations: (IOM, 2000)

Reference list entry:
Institute of Medicine. (2000). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Important facts related to the topic of the IOM report “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System”:

  1. Medical errors: The report highlights that medical errors in hospitals cause an estimated 98,000 deaths annually, surpassing the number of deaths from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS.
  2. Public perception: The report emphasizes the disparity between the incidence of medical errors and public perception, as many patients expect perfect performance from the medical profession.
  3. Liability concerns: The report discusses how legitimate liability concerns discourage the reporting of errors, hindering the ability to learn from mistakes.
  4. Recommendations: The report presents recommendations for improving patient safety, including leadership, improved data collection and analysis, and the development of effective systems at the level of direct patient care.
  5. Safer health systems: The report asserts that the problem lies not with bad people in healthcare but with working in bad systems that need to be made safer.

In-text Citation

For the first citation of the IOM report in the text, use the following format:

(Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2000)

For subsequent citations, use the following format:

(IOM, 2000)

Reference List Entry

In the reference list, include the following entry:

Institute of Medicine. (2000). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Important Facts Related to the IOM Report

  • Medical Errors: The report highlights that medical errors in hospitals cause an estimated 98,000 deaths annually, surpassing the number of deaths from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS.
  • Public Perception: The report emphasizes the disparity between the incidence of medical errors and public perception, as many patients expect perfect performance from the medical profession.
  • Liability Concerns: The report discusses how legitimate liability concerns discourage the reporting of errors, hindering the ability to learn from mistakes.
  • Recommendations: The report presents recommendations for improving patient safety, including leadership, improved data collection and analysis, and the development of effective systems at the level of direct patient care.
  • Safer Health Systems: The report asserts that the problem lies not with bad people in healthcare but with working in bad systems that need to be made safer.

Conclusion

When citing the IOM report “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System” in APA style, it is important to follow the guidelines for in-text citations and reference list entries. This article provided a comprehensive explanation of the proper citation format and highlighted key facts related to the report’s findings and recommendations. By accurately citing this report, researchers and writers can contribute to the ongoing discussion and efforts to improve patient safety in healthcare systems.

References

Institute of Medicine. (2000). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Kohn, L. T., Corrigan, J. M., & Donaldson, M. S. (Eds.). (2000). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. National Academies Press (US).

University of Tennessee Health Science Center. (n.d.). Citing IOM report – Nursing – Professional Issues. Research Guides at University of Tennessee Health Science Center. https://libguides.uthsc.edu/c.php?g=320564&p=2144794

FAQs

What is the correct format for the first citation of the IOM report in APA style?

For the first citation, use the following format:

(Institute of Medicine IOM, 2000)

What is the correct format for subsequent citations of the IOM report in APA style?

For subsequent citations, use the following format:

(IOM, 2000)

What information should be included in the reference list entry for the IOM report?

The reference list entry should include the following information: