Patient Safety Incident Response Framework

A new approach to responding to Patient (Service User) Safety Incidents 

The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework “PSIRF” is a key part of the NHS patient safety strategy. The PSIRF sets out the NHS’s approach to developing and maintaining effective systems and processes for responding to patient (or service user) safety incidents for the purpose of learning and improving patient safety.

The PSIRF replaces the Serious Incident Framework (SIF 2015) and represents a significant shift in the way the NHS responds to patient safety incidents. It is a contractual requirement under the NHS Standard Contract and as such is mandatory for services provided under that contract, including Alzheimer’s Society services commissioned by NHS Trusts.

Please note that within the context of the Alzheimer’s Society those people who use our services are referred to as service users rather than patients. For the purpose of this guidance, and to ensure alignment with NHS requirements, where patients are referred to, please read service users. 

PSIRF processes and guidance

The PSIRF processes and accompanying guidance outlined in this document apply to all Alzheimer’s Society employees, volunteer role managers and volunteers working within Service delivery teams.

The framework and learning response tools (details below) aim to involve colleagues at all levels of the organisation. 

The Framework includes four key aims:

1. Compassionate involvement of those affected by patient safety incidents (promoting a co-ordinated and data-informed approach to safety incident 
   responses)
2. Use of a range of system-based approaches (details below) to learning from 
   patient safety incidents
3. Considered and proportionate responses to safety incidents
4. Supportive oversight and management with a focus on strengthening response systems, learning and improvement rather than apportioning blame.

Alzheimer’s Society is committed to embracing the principles of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) to create a safe, transparent, and responsive environment for our service users, employees and volunteers. 

Our focus is on ensuring that lessons are learned from incidents and that these lessons result in tangible improvements in our practices and processes. Reporting them supports Alzheimer’s Society to learn from mistakes and to take action to keep patients safe.