Patient Safety Principles published: a framework supporting the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care

This article was co-authored by Claudia Macey, Solicitor Apprentice.

On 21 October 2024 the Patient Safety Commissioner published a finalised set of Patient Safety Principles, following a public consultation that garnered over 800 responses.

Established as part of the Commissioner’s statutory responsibilities,  the Principles serve as a framework for decision-making, planning and fostering collaborative efforts.  Patient autonomy is central with the healthcare system providing a just and learning culture within which care is provided. 

The Principles

As set out by the Commissioner, the Patient Safety Principles are as follows:

• Principle 1 - create a culture of safety.
• Principle 2 - put patients at the heart of everything.
• Principle 3 - treat people equitably.
• Principle 4 - identify and act on inequalities.
• Principle 5 - identify and mitigate risks.
• Principle 6 - be transparent and accountable.
• Principle 7 - use information and data to drive improved care and outcomes.

The analysis of the responses to the consultation published by the Patient Safety Commissioner office sets out that there was a strong positive sentiment from respondents to all seven of the draft principles. 

The importance of patient-centred care (Principle 2) is clear, with 58% of respondents considering this to be the most important Principle, followed by the culture of safety (Principle 1).   

In respect of Principle 2 (put patients at the heart of everything), the analysis provides that “use of the term ‘informed consent’ attracted interest and support from patients who expressed the view of the importance of this concept and how they felt it was not currently honoured by the healthcare system.”

In respect of Principle 1, “the importance of a proactive and integrated approach to managing safety” was highlighted by NHS providers.

Comment

The Principles build on efforts to improve patient safety that have been made over the last 20 years. There has been a move away from a slow, siloed and disjointed approach.  A greater emphasis has been placed on learning, and, in particular, a focus on the need to hear the patient voice has become paramount. 

Accomplishing these Principles fits with wider aims so often talked about when it comes to NHS care.  There has long been a desire for a culture of safety (Principle 1) and putting patients at the heart of initiatives (Principle 2).  Quality improvement includes identifying and mitigating risks (Principle 5) and using information to drive improved care and outcomes (Principle 7). 

We believe the Patient Safety Principles will assist those in governance in healthcare. They will be a guide for those in leadership positions, not only at Board level, but also at all levels within healthcare providers.

These Principles are about safe, effective and compassionate patient care, and reducing avoidable harm in a just and learning culture.

Related item:

• Patient Safety Commissioner consults on draft ‘Principles of Better Patient Safety’ to help guide and deliver change