This tool allows one to track the change in rate of any one type of adverse event over time and, when appropriate additional data are added, the consequent change in unnecessary deaths ("lives saved"), real and additional potential cost savings ("dark green dollar" savings and "light green dollar" savings, respectively), and the return on investment of quality improvement work targeting those adverse events.

Instructions for using the Adverse Events Prevented Calculator

How to use the Adverse Events Prevented Calculator WebEx recording

Those interested in joining an email listserv to discuss the business case for quality — and the calculator in particular — should email ahackbarth@ihi.org.