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.