Learning resource

Involving those affected after patient safety events

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About this learning resource

Type: video discussion

Audience: Learners with roles in healthcare safety investigation, including investigation, commissioning, oversight and involvement.

Duration: 15 minutes

Objectives: By the end of this resource, you will be able to:

  1. Explain why effective involvement is fundamental for a high-quality safety investigation.
  2. Discuss barriers and enablers for the effective involvement of all those affected.
  3. Evaluate organisational readiness to support effective involvement.

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Competency mapping

Includes introduction to the following competencies [1]:

  • 19.1 Demonstrates knowledge of principles relating to engaging and involving people in an investigation.
  • 30.1 Recognises the diverse circumstances and unique engagement needs among those involved in an investigation.
  • 30.2 Adapts engagement and involvement approaches as roles and personal circumstances permit.

[1] Lim, R., Hide, S., et al. (2026) Development of a competency framework for healthcare safety investigators: a modified e-Delphi study. Safety Science, 198, 107161. DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2026.107161

Further reading

Key images

Foundations for effective and compassionate engagement

Diagram showing the foundations for effective and compassionate engagement. At the centre is a green box labelled “Foundations for effective and compassionate engagement”, surrounded by six circular elements: Training and competencies, Support systems, Inclusivity, Leadership, Information resources, Seeking feedback, and Managing dissatisfaction. Each element is represented by a green icon and connected visually as a key component of effective engagement.

From NHS England: Engaging and involving patients, families and staff following a patient safety incident

Five-stages for involving those affected

Five-stage diagram showing the process for involving people affected by an investigation. The stages are presented in a stepped sequence from left to right: Understanding you and your needs – illustrated by two people talking. Agreeing how you work together – illustrated by people working around a large checkmark. Giving and getting information – illustrated by speech bubbles, a document and information-sharing symbols. Checking and finalising the report – illustrated by a draft report with comments and edits. Next steps – illustrated by a signpost showing different directions. Each stage is colour coded and connected visually to show progression through the involvement process.

From Learn Together: Supporting involvement after safety events in healthcare

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