Evaluation of PSIRF Implementation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Evaluation of the Implementation of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF)
IRAS ID
353256
Contact name
Rita Couto
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2025/02/09, UCL Data Protection Office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) is a framework that describes the NHS' approach to develop and maintain effective processes. The processes set out by PSIRF aim to respond to patient safety incidents (which may include unintended or unexpected events in a healthcare setting) in an effective and adequate manner, but they also have the objective of learning from patient incidents, to improve patient safety.
This framework is based on four main principles which include: (1) ensuring that there is a compassionate and understanding engagement of those affected by any form of patient safety interactions, (2) using a system-based approach (interdisciplinary approach) in order to learn from patient safety incidents, (3) applying adequate responses to patient safety incidents, and (4) a focus on improving patient safety and its response system.
Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate PSIRF as a process and framework. This evaluation seeks answers to key questions regarding perceptions of PSIRF (from both staff and patients), the design and implementation of PSIRF, barriers and enablers in the implementation of PSIRF, the impact on patient care, safety, outcomes and lessons learnt.
This evaluation will involve interviews with healthcare professionals and patients, observations of relevant meetings, and analysis of relevant documents and will use rapid qualitative research methods, to provide timely ongoing learning for national leads and local services. Based on this, we will form broader lessons on how this programme was put into action, and how it affected patient safety and service efficiency.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1404
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion