A documented situation where an error was caught before it could cause harm is known as a(n) _____.

A documented situation where an error was caught before it could cause harm is referred to as a near miss. This term is used in various fields, including healthcare and safety management, to describe incidents where an error or potential hazardous situation could have led to an adverse event, but was successfully intercepted before any actual harm occurred. The recognition of near misses is crucial because it aids organizations in identifying weaknesses in their processes, thereby allowing for improvements and preventive measures that enhance overall safety.

In contrast, patient safety incidents typically refer to events or circumstances involving actual or potential harm to patients, which may not specifically involve interception of an error. Corrective action refers to the measures taken to address and rectify identified problems rather than instances of caught errors. An adverse event signifies an error that has already resulted in harm or negative outcomes, distinguishing it from the concept of a near miss, which emphasizes prevention and proactive risk management.