Self-Assessment Framework for Event Response (SAFER) Oversight: A tool for effective Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) governance (29 April 2025)

Summary

The introduction of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) has removed traditional oversight targets, requiring practitioners to take a flexible, improvement-focused approach. While this shift is intended to improve patient safety, it has also created uncertainty for those in oversight roles, who must navigate new responsibilities without the comfort of prescriptive performance metrics.

This article provides practical guidance on PSIRF oversight and introduces the Self-Assessment Framework for Event Response (SAFER) Oversight tool. The article outlines the mindset and functions needed to support effective, improvement-focused governance. It explores three aspects of oversight mindset: systems thinking, improvement focus, and compassion - as well as three oversight functions: demonstrating and assuring improvement, supporting and collaborating, and facilitating learning across the system.

By clarifying the role of oversight within PSIRF, this article aims to reduce uncertainty and support practitioners in delivering meaningful patient safety improvements.

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