Safety and Improvement in Primary Care
Case studies, tools and guidance for a person-centred approach to quality improvement in patient care for general practice clinicians.
Quality Improvement and person-centredness
This preliminary report explores recent work done within primary care on the "Always Event" concept as one way of taking a person-centred approach to quality improvement.
Trigger Tool
A trigger tool is a simple checklist containing a selected number of clinical 'triggers' that a reviewer searches for when screening medical records for patients who may have been unintentionally harmed. The trigger tool process facilitates the structured, focused and rapid review of a sample of medical records by primary care clinicians.
This poster describes how to apply the trigger tool process as a feasible part of routine practice and promotes the idea that the trigger method will enable the primary care team to refocus their measurement, learning and improvement efforts on one of the most serious issues facing the NHS - minimising the risk to patients of unintentional but avoidable harm.
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Screening electronic patient records to detect avoidable harm: a trigger tool process for primary care Download (346 KB)
Poster covering: Minimising the risk of preventable harm to patients is a key NHS priority. Current national patient safety initiatives in acute hospitals include a focus on measuring preventable harm. How to apply the trigger tool process , a...
Trigger Tool guidance and case studies:
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A trigger tool resource to aid the review process.
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For use in carrying out the review process.
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Including key points for reviewers and general practice teams; summary of the trigger tool process; planning and preparation; systematic review of records; reflection and further action.
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Occasional trigger review provides the GP team with important opportunities to identify patient safety-related learning needs and direct improvement efforts.
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Discussion points.
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Trigger tool case study: example of a general practice medical record (Ms. Annette Curtain, D.O.B. 01/01/1935) Download (889 KB)
This fictional medical record is intended to be used as part of the practical training in the use of the trigger tool method. It purposefully imitates an authentic printed summary sheet that the vast majority of practices generate on a daily...
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Trigger tool case study: example of a general practice medical record (Mr Joe Bloggs, D.O.B. 01/01/1935) Download (996 KB)
This fictional medical record is intended to be used as part of the practical training in the use of the trigger tool method. It purposefully imitates an authentic printed summary sheet that the vast majority of practices generate on a daily...
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Discussion points.
Current Initiatives and Useful Links
Health Care Associated Infections
Health Care Associated Infections - The HAI education team is responsible for providing educational resources to support health and social care staff working in acute, community, care home/residential housing and care at home services in Scotland with educational courses on Infection Prevention and Control.
Effective Practitioner
Effective Practitioner - Supporting NMAHP practitioners at Level 5 or 6 of the Career Framework for Health
The Effective Practitioner Initiative is a commitment in Scotland to support the large group of Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHP) practitioners at Level 5 and 6 of the Career Framework for Health. It supports the Healthcare Quality Strategy for NHS Scotland.
Vocational Qualification Finder
Vocational Qualification Finder - The VQ Finder is an online database of vocational qualifications available in Scotland and relevant to NHSScotland staff. It includes details of more than 300 qualifications, including HNCs, HNDs, SVQs, Professional Development Awards (PDAs), Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) and other qualifications from SCQF Level 4 upwards. It includes guidance for learners, employers and learning providers on selecting the most suitable qualification to meet their needs.