HSIB: National Learning Report Support for staff following patient safety incidents (January 2021)

Summary

This report from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) outlines the most important factors for supporting staff in the wake of safety incidents, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report reinforces the importance of effective staff support for those suffering high levels of psychological harm, as it has a direct impact on patient care.

While focusing on patient safety incidents overall, the report also provides valuable insight that could help organisations develop their own programmes of support for any situation.

The report features a first-hand account from a junior doctor which charts the impact that a patient safety incident had on his life and his experiences of support. Excerpts from the story emphasise the importance of creating a ‘normalised’ culture around accessing support.