AQUA - Report: What should safety look like at a system level? (6 April 2023)

Summary

Aqua recently convened a selection of expert panellists to a round table discussion, chaired by Professor Ted Baker, to consider ‘what does safety look like at a system level?’ and discuss the key issues and help support the development of Integrated Care Systems. This report captures the key themes covered in this discussion.

Content

Considering why Integrated Care Systems should prioritise safety, the report highlights the following key points:

• Reducing the unintentional harm caused by healthcare is a fundamental priority.
• Prioritising safety enables a more engaged workforce.
• Reducing the risk of harm is a pre-requisite for high performing, productive and financially sustainable health services.
• Quality healthcare cannot be delivered without consideration of safety.
• Improving safety is linked to reducing healthcare inequalities.

The report focuses on seven areas where action is required for Integrated Care Boards to deliver effective system safety:

1. Culture
2. Leadership
3. Systematic Management
4. Model of Care
5. Lived Experience
6. Health Inequalities
7. Innovation