Quality and safety in the independent healthcare sector 2024
Patient Safety Investigation Framework (PSIRF)
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), developed by NHS England and published in August 2022, has replaced the Serious Incident Framework. This marks a significant shift in how providers of NHS-funded activity respond to patient safety incidents.
Throughout 2024, IHPN and the PSIRF Reference Group have continued to refine the sector’s approach and share learning and experiences. IHPN has actively engaged with key stakeholders, including the CQC, NHSE, the Patient Safety Commissioner for England, and regulators in Wales and Scotland, to ensure the PSIRF approach is effective, robust, and fit for purpose for the independent sector. Additionally, IHPN has worked with Patient Safety Partners (PSPs), patient representative groups, and patients to uphold the sector’s commitment to meaningful patient engagement. This includes initiatives such as developing tools like the Recruitment of Patient Safety Partners in the Independent Sector Principles document.
Case study
PHL Group, an independent provider delivering a range of services including primary and urgent care, has proactively integrated several elements of the PSIRF into its organisation during the planning and development phases. This has included early adoption of the patient safety incident investigation templates and the trial of new response methods, such as action reviews.
Additionally, PHL Group now focuses on exploring systems interactions in their investigations, prioritising organisational learning and quality improvement, and maintaining consistent engagement with patients and their families throughout the process.
A key change implemented is that all patients and their families are now contacted by phone immediately following an incident. This enables PHL to address their concerns, answer questions, and provide ongoing updates. They ensure weekly follow-up calls are made until the investigation is concluded. Feedback from one family member after an investigation included:
“Thank you so much, this really has helped me and my family. It has also helped resolve the ‘what if’ question that has been on our minds. We are truly grateful for all the support during such a difficult time.”
Case study
HMT, a UK-wide charity delivering private and NHS adult health and social care services, has successfully implemented the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) across both its hospitals and care homes. HMT’s “Being Open”/Duty of Candour policy and associated processes have been reviewed in line with PSIRF principles and training for “learning response” leads is planned for 2025.
HMT now invite patients, residents, families and carers to be as involved as they would like to be in a learning response, alongside staff, to ensure their experience, perspective, and voice is present as equal partners, and that the learning response is comprehensive and based on all available information.