August 3, 2022

Independent healthcare provider risks implementing PSIRF

Patient Safety Incident Reponse Framework (PSIRF) is a revised part of the NHS Patient Safety Strategy 2019, which is laying the foundation for a new way of responding when patient safety issues occur. A recent panel discussion hosted by IHPN and Practicus highlighted some of the challenges.

PSIRF

Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) in partnership with Practicus, recently hosted a roundtable discussion with industry practitioners and leaders from independent healthcare providers and the NHS. The practitioners support the emerging Patient Safety environment, but also outlined some of the perceived risks.

The Discussion

IHPN in partnership with Practicus, recently hosted a roundtable discussion with industry practitioners and leaders from independent healthcare providers and the NHS.

The panel came together to share their experiences, observations and thoughts around potential risks with the rollout of the new Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF). (This is  part of the NHS Patient Safety Strategy 2019, which is laying the foundation for a new way of responding when patient safety issues occur.)

The panellists represent a cross-section of healthcare professionals covering responsibility for patient safety, quality and risk management. Two participants were able to bring their ‘early adopter’ PSIRF implementation experience into context.

Discussion was moderated by Practicus and took place under Chatham House rules.

What does PSIRF offer, patients, families and providers that SIF does not?

RISK – There is a perceived risk that in the event of a decision not to formally investigate is made on the grounds there is no new learning to be gained, the patient and family members may disagree. This situation and expectations would need to be managed with care and compassion. How do providers ensure that a family understands why an investigation is not being undertaken?

What engagement was possible with Commissioners, Integrated Care Systems and Stakeholders during the Pilot?

RISK – There is an observation that smaller independent sector providers or providers such as those operating in the third sector, may be less well equipped and resourced to handle the workload that goes with PSIRF and its implementation. It is therefore important that new ICSs fully engage with all providers – both NHS and independent sector to ensure that PSIRF is fully implemented.

What are the challenges of operationalising PSIRF within organisations

RISK – Not being able to access timely and appropriate training as a result of training market capacity was identified as a potential risk.

Will the expectation of doing less investigations, lead to less work in the long run?

RISK – PISRF may not reduce but increase patient safety workload, which challenges the independent sector more than larger central teams.

Is there a risk that capacity issues can lead to serious elements being overlooked?

RISKThere is a risk that the internal capacity to deal with patient safety issues, could challenge quality issues in patient safety investigations. This potential exists under the current framework.

Would independent providers benefit from more collaboration around PSIRF?

RISK – As PSIRF is rolled out, smaller providers may not be able to reach the highest standards of PSIRF, without additional help or support.

Are cultural workforce changes required to embed PSIRF into organisations?

Risk – If the cultural shift is not made, and people continue to look at PSIRF through the prism of SIF, then there is a risk to successfully implementing PSIRF. The challenge is to embed an approach to investigating that forms part of the wider response to patient safety incidents whilst allowing time to learn thematically from the other patient safety insights.


Final thoughts

In summary, the panel discussed and identified risks in the areas of:


If providers can be aware of the type of risks they might encounter, that can help mitigate them, especially if there is a robust forum for networking, best practice sharing and learning resources.

The participants suggested a number of things the IHPN could support the sector with:

IHPN appreciated the input and said they would take these points into consideration for future activity.


Overview of PSIRF

Interim Management Services

Services for Health & Social Care

Patient Safety reporting
think interim think practicus article
independent healthcare providers image 2

About Practicus

Our purpose is to help people and their organisations navigate change. We take an integrated approach to change, combining robust change management and project management with subject matter expertise in strategy, technology, behaviour, data and operational efficiency.

Our services include Consulting, Recruiting and Advising.

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