What defines an incident report in a hospital setting?

An incident report in a hospital setting is specifically designed to document any unusual or harmful events that occur within the facility. This includes incidents such as patient falls, medication errors, or equipment failures. The primary purpose of the report is to ensure that these events are recorded accurately and promptly, allowing for a thorough analysis of the incident to prevent future occurrences and to enhance patient safety.

Timely filing of the report is crucial because it helps in capturing details while they are fresh, ensuring accuracy and facilitating proper investigation and follow-up actions. This process is essential for maintaining a safe healthcare environment and complying with regulatory standards.

The other choices describe documents that serve different purposes, such as gathering patient feedback or summarizing meetings, which do not align with the specific function and importance of incident reports in promoting safety and accountability in healthcare.