ABSTRACT

Significant event analysis (SEA) is encouraged in general practice as an impor­ tant method of reflective learning that can contribute to our continuing education and professional development. In addition to its educational poten­ tial, SEA may also inform and impact on many other issues of importance to the clinical governance agenda. Improving the quality of healthcare; enhancing patient safety; minimising healthcare risk; and facilitating needs assessment, are just a few of the areas that may potentially benefit from the routine use of SEA by healthcare practitioners.