Policy guidance on recording patient safety events and levels of harm (NHS England, updated 16 March 2026)

Summary

This guidance is for users of the new Learn from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE) service, to provide context and guidance on selection of appropriate categories when recording incidents. It focuses on which Event Type is appropriate for different circumstances, and how to select the most appropriate options for the Levels of Harm categorisation required within Patient Safety Incidents.

It covers the following topics:

• Definitions – event types
• Definitions – harm grading
• When are harm grading fields mandatory?
• Recording guidance questions and answers