Patient safety investigations

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Hands type on a laptop keyboard. Nine exclamation marks are superimposed over the photo, including one in a warning triangle, to signify an issue with the computer system.

Electronic patient record systems – risk from loss of functionality

We have launched an investigation that explores risks to patient safety where access to, the use of, or functionality of electronic patient record (EPR) systems has been lost. That loss may be short- or long-term, and be planned or unplanned.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Communication and decision making, Medical tests, Continuity of care
Two people sit together at a table, raising their hands together during a shared activity, with an open notebook in the foreground. One of the people has a learning disability.

Deterioration in adults with a learning disability in primary care

We have launched an investigation that explores the care adults with a learning disability receive in primary care when their health is deteriorating or they have new symptoms.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Delayed diagnosis, Access to care, Learning disabilities
An image of a hospital waiting room with three empty seats and one seat occupied.

Safety issues for people experiencing a mental health crisis who come into contact with urgent and emergency care services

Mental health crisis describes when a person feels at breaking point and where they need urgent help. We have launched two investigations that explore the patient safety issues associated with care pathways for people experiencing a mental health crisis who come into contact with urgent and emergen…
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Mental health, Emergency care, Access to care

  • Awaiting safety recommendation responses

Child reaches towards a glowing bubble tube in a sensory room, illuminated by pink and purple lights. The tube is filled with rising bubbles and glowing beads, casting coloured light across the scene.

Care of children waiting for access to child health community services

There is widespread concern about child health community services presenting some of the longest waits in the healthcare system and these delays contributing to lasting harm where interventions are critical to healthy childhood development.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Delayed diagnosis, Long-term conditions, Access to care
Older person in bed at home holding a mug and speaking with a carer seated beside the bed, with a bedside lamp and wooden headboard in the background.

Safety accountability and oversight thematic review

We have launched a thematic review of HSIB and HSSIB investigation reports, covering the period April 2017 to April 2026, that explores patient safety accountability and oversight.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Long-term conditions, Patient safety themes, Continuity of care
Person using a smartphone beside a laptop, overlaid with digital graphics representing artificial intelligence, including a microphone labelled “AI”, audio waveforms, voice messages, speech-to-text symbols and communication icons. The image illustrates AI-powered voice and language technology.

The use of Ambient Voice Technology in hospitals

Adoption of Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) is accelerating while the safety implications are not fully understood. This investigation will focus on acute adult secondary care settings to understand how AVT may contribute to patient harm, associated patient safety risks and accountability.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Acute, Hospital care, Medical devices
Close-up of man with a closely trimmed beard. He takes a pill with a glass of water.

The prescribing of lithium for bipolar disorder

Around 1 in 50 adults experience bipolar disorder within their lives. Whilst the number of people with bipolar disorder has remained consistent over time the prescribing of lithium has been in decline for decades.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Mental health, Medication
A healthcare professional sits in a consulting room speaking with a young person seated opposite. A desk, computer screens and office equipment are visible in the background.

Identifying and supporting mental health problems in children via general practice

We have launched an investigation exploring how mental health problems in children are identified and supported via general practice. This is due to widespread concern that there are limitations and wide variation in early identification and intervention for children with mental health problems.
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Launched

  • Theme:

    Mental health, Primary care, Patient and family
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