Using the structured judgement review method: A guide for reviewers (2016)

Summary

The National Mortality Case Record Review Programme (NMCRR) aims to develop and implement a standardised methodology for reviewing the case records of adults who have died in acute hospitals across England and Scotland. As well as improve understanding and learning about problems and processes in healthcare that are associated with mortality.

Content

This guide is for reviewers undertaking Structured Judgement Reviews (SJR's). A SJR is usually undertaken by an individual reviewing a patient’s death and mainly comprises two specific aspects: explicit judgement comments being made about the care quality and care quality scores being applied. These aspects are applied to both specific phases of care and to the overall care received.

The phases of care are:

• admission and initial care – first 24 hours
• ongoing care 
• care during a procedure 
• perioperative/procedure care
• end-of-life care (or discharge care) 
• assessment of care overall.

While the principle phase descriptors are noted above, dependent on the type of care or service the patient received not all phase descriptors may be relevant or utilised in a review.

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