A just individual assessment (JIA) transparently outlines a standardized approach to evaluate the action(s) or inaction(s) of an individual involved in a patient safety event where a patient was harmed or nearly harmed. The intent is to consider system factors that may have influenced the individual to determine whether restorative actions (e.g., provide education, address underlying health conditions) or discipline actions should be considered.
The JIA is an important piece of a health system’s just culture which in turn is a cornerstone of a safety culture. The JIA process provides managers and regulators who are involved in assessing the decisions and actions of an individual involved in a patient safety event with a framework, and tools to complete the task fairly. In a JIA there is one pre-step, three steps, and three decisions. The last decision is deciding about discipline (Figure).
