Patient Safety Investigation Response Framework (PSIRF)

To support the NHS to further improve patient safety, all Trusts are preparing for the introduction of a new Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF). The PSIRF is a key part of the NHS Patient Safety Strategy which was published in July 2019 and aims to; help the NHS to improve its understanding of safety by drawing insight from patient safety incidents, outline how providers should respond, and when a patient safety investigation should be conducted.

What is the PSIRF?

Introduction

The PSIRF will replace the current Serious Incident Framework (2015) and represents a significant shift in the way the NHS responds to patient safety incidents. Itis a major step towards establishing a safety management system across the NHS. The PSIRF supports the development and maintenance of an effective patient safety incident response system that integrates four key aims:

• Compassionate engagement and involvement of those affected by patient safety incidents
• Application of a range of system-based approached to learning from patient safety incidents
• Considered and proportionate responses to patient safety incidents
• Supportive oversight focused on strengthening response system functioning and improvement

Our Experience, Safety and Risk team are leading a project with support from our wider stakeholders, including colleagues from the CQC, Commissioners and other local Provider Trusts to ensure that our work links with the wider system and is ready to implement the changes needed to meet the PSIRF launch in 2023. While we have not been one of the national early adopters we have already made a number of system improvements in preparation for the changes.

What happens next?

The National Guidance for PSIRF has now been released and we are preparing a plan which takes on board this new information. A copy of the guidance is available to read here.

NHS England have also developed an animation which explains what the PSIRF is how it will improve the way we undertake our investigations. Click here to watch the video.

How do I find out more or get involved?

If you want to find out more about the national framework please visit the NHS England website here.

If you have any queries or would like to receive updates about the project as it moves forward, please contact us.