The Patient Safety movements invest in direct measures for the prevention of incidents, the identification and assessment of risk, and aim to reduce the incidence of accidents and clinical errors. According to the Joint Commission International, Unintended Retained Surgical Items (URSI) are the most frequently reported sentinel surgical event. Prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach aimed at reducing associated risks and factors. Due to the lack of systematization and the absence of a habit of reporting critical events in Europe, few data exist beyond individual case reports. The proposed research aims to contribute to the understanding of the existing problem in Portugal and Europe through a qualitative exploratory approach. Focus groups will be conducted with professionals from different countries. The data obtained will make it possible to propose guidelines for Health Institutions to promote patient safety.