Objective: To describe the facilities and difficulties that health professionals have in relation to reporting adverse events in the hospital context. Method: a descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, conducted in a high complexity public cardiovascular hospital in southern Brazil, between april and may 2017 with 39 health professionals. Semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis were used. Results: Two categories emerged: Facilities for reporting adverse events and obstacles that hinder this process. The practice illustrates the fear of punishment, fragility in knowledge, work overload and lack of commitment of professionals, leading to underreporting. Difficulties occur with regard to non-compliance with routines and unpreparedness to use the reporting form of the institution. Some positive aspects are related to the support of the Patient Safety Center, the feedback of notifications and the recognition of the importance of reporting adverse health events. Conclusion: The notification process is permeated by positive aspects and some obstacles that need to be overcome. Strategies with a focus on communication and educational practice are needed to disseminate information about the notification process, as well as to promote a culture without culpability and accountability for achieving patient safety.