Incident types are simply the list of categories staff can pick from in the Type of Incident field when filing an IR (the multiselect with the placeholder Select incident types…).
Managing this list is web-only and Manager-only.
Where the list comes from
There are two places to manage incident types:
- On a profile — open the profile and go to its Tracking Templates, in the Incident Reporting section. Here you set which incident types apply to that profile. (You can also reach this through manager settings.)
- Organization-wide templates — under Organization Settings → Templates and Tools, you can create reusable Incident Report templates so new profiles start with a ready-made list.
Adding a type
You don't fill out a form for each one — just type the name into the list (it works like adding tags). It then appears as a choice under Type of Incident for the profiles it applies to. Staff open the multiselect and tick whichever labels fit — one or more.
Suggested incident types
A good starting list for most organizations:
- Fall — accidental, with or without injury.
- Behavioral Incident — aggression, self-injury, property damage.
- Medication Error — wrong dose, wrong med, missed dose.
- Allegation — abuse / neglect / complaints.
- Near Miss — almost happened, was averted.
- Property Damage — significant damage to belongings or facility.
- Protective Physical Intervention — when a physical intervention was used.
- Elopement — person left the premises unauthorized.
- Death — sometimes called a "Critical Incident".
- Other — catch-all for anything that doesn't fit.
Your industry and regulator may need additional types — check your local guidance.
Tips
- Keep the list short. A handful of clear types is easier for staff than dozens of niche ones.
- Use plain names your team will recognize at a glance.
- Review it occasionally as your service and local requirements change.
Common questions
- Can a Staff member add a type? — No. Staff should ask a Manager — only Managers manage the list.
- What happens to old IRs if I change the list? — Nothing. Existing reports keep the types they were filed with.
- Is there a global library of incident types? — Not currently. Each organization sets up its own list.