Understanding PSIRF: A Guide to the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) represents a transformative approach adopted by the NHS to handle patient safety incidents. Introduced in August 2022, PSIRF replaces the Serious Incident Framework, signalling a shift from traditional investigative processes to a more compassionate, learning-focused methodology. Its emphasis lies in engaging those affected by patient safety incidents, while adopting a system-based approach to foster improvement and prevent future harm.
What is the Goal of PSIRF?
PSIRF’s primary objective is to enhance patient safety by fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By drawing insights from incidents, it aims to mitigate risks and prevent recurrence. This framework encourages diverse investigative methods while strengthening governance and oversight. Crucially, it places those impacted at the heart of the process, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
Who is PSIRF For?
PSIRF applies to all NHS providers operating under the NHS Standard Contract, including:
- Acute care
- Ambulance services
- Mental health services
- Community healthcare
- Maternity services
- Specialised services
While primary care providers are not required to implement PSIRF, they are encouraged to collaborate voluntarily with their local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to adopt its principles.
The Four Cornerstones of PSIRF
- Compassionate Engagement
PSIRF prioritises meaningful involvement of patients, families, and staff in the aftermath of incidents. This compassionate approach ensures those affected can share their experiences, ask questions, and contribute to the learning process. By fostering trust and transparency, PSIRF creates a supportive environment for healing and growth. - Systematic Approach
Rather than searching for a single root cause, PSIRF examines the broader system, including environmental factors, tools, and processes that may have contributed to the incident. This method avoids individual blame and encourages systemic improvements, making healthcare safer for everyone. - Proportionate Responses
Recognising the limitations of resources, PSIRF advocates for responses that are proportionate to the incident. NHS providers are encouraged to prioritise investigations with the greatest potential for learning, ensuring efforts yield meaningful results. - Collaboration and Oversight
PSIRF promotes open dialogue between NHS providers, ICBs, and regulators. While organisations maintain autonomy in handling incidents, collaborative discussions about findings and lessons learned drive improvements across the entire healthcare ecosystem.
Where Should NHS Providers Be Now?
All NHS providers are expected to have fully implemented PSIRF. This includes adopting a system-based approach to incident response, ensuring continuous learning, and fostering a culture of safety and improvement across their services.
How We Can Help
At COMI Health, we specialise in patient safety, leveraging many years of experience as former CQC inspectors. We offer expert guidance to help you navigate and implement the PSIRF framework effectively.
If you’re looking to enhance your organisation’s patient safety practices or need support with PSIRF, contact us today. Together, we can ensure safer care for all.
One of our COMI Directors – Catherine Okonkwo – spoke about PSIRF implementation at the 2024 HSJ Patient Safety Conference. The slide deck of this forum can be found here
