Portugal reports thousands of patient-safety incidents in 2025, falls and pressure ulcers most common
In 2025, Portugal’s national Notifica system recorded thousands of patient-safety incidents, with falls and pressure ulcers leading the reports.
According to data released for World Patient Safety Day, Portugal’s Notifica platform logged thousands of patient-safety incidents in 2025, the majority submitted by health-care workers and a minority by the public. Falls and pressure ulcers were the most frequently reported types of patient accidents for both professionals and citizens. Among professionals, reports of behavioural incidents and infrastructure-related problems followed, while citizens also noted similar issues.
The DGS stressed that the numbers represent only those entered into the system and may not capture every event that occurs. Carla Pereira, head of the DGS Planning and Quality Improvement Division, noted that the reporting system has been in place since 2014 and that notification rates have stabilized after a rise in recent years. She emphasized that anonymous reporting helps identify risks and drive improvements in care delivery.
