> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.visualcare.com.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Incident categories
> Configure the categories used to classify incident records in Visualcare
Incident categories let you classify each incident by type, for example injury, medication error, behavioural incident, or property damage. Categorising incidents helps you filter records, generate meaningful reports, and identify trends across your organisation.
## How categories are used
When creating or editing an incident, you select a category from a dropdown. This category is stored on the incident record and appears in the incidents list, the incidents register, and any exports.
Categories also feed into reporting. If you're tracking incident types over time or preparing for an audit, consistent categorisation makes it straightforward to pull the data you need.
## Configuring categories
To manage incident categories, navigate to **Maintenance** → **Incident Categories**.
### Adding a category
1. Click **Add**
2. Enter the category name
3. Click **Save**
The new category is immediately available in the incident form dropdown.
### Editing a category
1. Find the category in the list and click **Edit**
2. Update the name
3. Click **Save**
Renaming a category updates it on all existing incidents that use it. Choose category names carefully before they're widely used.
### Removing a category
Categories that are linked to existing incidents can't be deleted. If you no longer want a category to appear in the dropdown, deactivate it instead. Deactivated categories remain on historical records but don't appear as options for new incidents.
## Choosing your categories
Set up categories that match how your organisation classifies incidents. Common examples include:
* Injury
* Medication error
* Behavioural incident
* Property damage
* Near miss
* Abuse or neglect
* Unauthorised restrictive practice
Keep your category list focused. Too many categories makes it harder for staff to choose the right one, and too few makes reporting less useful. Review your categories periodically and merge or retire any that aren't being used.
## Running into issues?
See [Incidents troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/general) for common errors and fixes.
## Related articles
How incidents are created and where to find them
Set up workflows to manage incident processing
Control incident visibility and form behaviour