French health authority issues safety recommendations for nursing homes and end-of-life care

The French National Authority for Health (HAS) has released reports analyzing serious adverse events associated with care (EIGS) in sensitive contexts, specifically focusing on nursing homes (EHPAD) and end-of-life care.

In nursing homes, the analysis identifies organizational issues as a primary cause of incidents such as falls, choking, and the use of physical restraint. To mitigate these risks, the HAS recommends strengthening safety cultures, improving risk management, and enhancing professional training. The authority specifically emphasizes limiting passive physical restraint and improving the prevention of swallowing disorders.

Regarding end-of-life care, the reports highlight that many serious incidents stem from avoidable organizational failures. The HAS recommends formalizing personalized care plans, securing the use of high-risk medications like opioids and sedatives, and improving coordination between healthcare providers to better respect patient wishes and reduce preventable harm.