Patient safety investigations

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A female nurse gives an older woman medical pills.

Medication related harm

Medication is the most common intervention for patients in the NHS. In the most serious cases, delayed and missed medication can cause catastrophic effects. We have launched three local investigations and one national investigation into medication related harm.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Medication, Communication and decision making, Continuity of care
A young woman with a pained expression lies in an ambulance with her eyes closed while two paramedics treat her.

Pre-hospital interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECG) in ambulance services

We have launched two investigations to help address patient safety risks associated with electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation by ambulance crews in cases of ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (StEMI).
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Emergency care, Cardiac
A young girl with an unhappy look on her face lies on her side in a hospital bed, hugging her teddy.

Keeping children and young people with mental health needs safe: the design of the paediatric ward

published
This investigation looks at the risk factors associated with the design of paediatric wards in acute hospitals for children and young people with mental health needs.
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Published

  • Theme:

    Mental health, Acute, Ward design

  • Awaiting safety recommendation responses

A sad looking woman lies awake on a hospital bed.

Patients at risk of self-harm: continuous observation

published
This investigation has found limited evidence that the current approach to continuous observation of adult patients at risk of self-harm on hospital wards is effective.
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Published

  • Theme:

    Hospital care

  • Awaiting safety recommendation responses

Two purple feeding pumps.

Nutrition management of acutely unwell patients in acute medical units

published
Acute medical units (AMUs) are the first point of entry for patients referred to hospital as an emergency by their GP and those who require admission from emergency departments. This investigation seeks to support improvements in identification and management of nutritional needs in AMUs.
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Published

  • Theme:

    Acute, Hospital care, Continuity of care
A nurse wearing scrubs prepares surgical instruments including swabs.

Retained swabs following invasive procedures: themes identified from a review of NHS serious incident reports

published
Retained swabs are classed as Never Events. Data shows there has been 11-23 retained swab incidents per year since 2015. The investigation was launched after we examined the case of a patient who had two swabs left in her chest following serious heart surgery.
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Published

  • Theme:

    Medical devices, Checking, Surgical

  • Awaiting safety recommendation responses

A tired hospital doctor rests his head on his hand as he sits at a desk.

Fatigue risk in healthcare and its impact on patient safety

Fatigue presents a potential significant risk to patient safety and staff wellbeing. In other safety-critical industries, fatigue is monitored and routinely considered as a potential contributory factor in safety incidents.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    NHS staff, Patient safety themes
Aerial view of a prison site in the English countryside.

Healthcare provision in prisons

We've analysed the patient safety issues frequently highlighted within prison healthcare to identify themes. Our team is visiting prisons across England to investigate emergency care, continuity of care and data sharing and IT.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Emergency care, Communication and decision making, Continuity of care
A smiling health visitor wearing green scrubs helps an older woman to walk in her home.

Safety management systems

These investigations consider how safety management is coordinated and integrated across the healthcare system. They look at accountability beyond organisational boundaries and involving NHS staff and patients.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    NHS staff, Patient safety themes, Patient and family, Continuity of care
A male patient's hand rests on a nurse call button in a hospital bed

Positive patient identification

published
We've undertaken several investigations where misidentification of patients has been an important part of a patient safety event. This national learning report collates findings and identifies how these misidentifications have been able to happen.
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Published

  • Theme:

    Communication and decision making, Checking

  • Safety recommendation responses received

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