Patient Safety Incident Debriefing and Staff Support
The NHS is updating its’ systems to ensure that patient safety incidents are properly reported and investigated and the new ‘Patient Safety Incident Response Framework 2020’ (PSIRF) responds to calls for a new approach to incident management, one which facilitates inquisitive examination of a wider range of patient safety incidents “in the spirit of reflection and learning” rather than as part of a “framework of accountability”. The framework is now being implemented across the NHS and should be fully implemented by September 2023. PSIRF has been trialled in a number of ‘early adopter’ healthcare providers across the country in the past 2 years. The East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) were one such ‘early adopter’ and we have delivered 35 training courses for their staff, including a ‘Train the Trainer’ course to enable them to deliver the training ‘in house’.
This course and the ‘Train the Trainer’ course are now available to all healthcare providers and Commisioners in the NHS. Organisations interested in this important training should contact us to discuss requirements
Patient Safety Incident Debriefing
and Staff Support
Training Course Details
The NHS is introducing a new Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), which is currently being implemented across the NHS, with implementation expected to be completed by September 2023. This training course is designed to assist healthcare providers and Commissioneers in implementing a debriefing process following Patient Safety Incidents, which incorporates elements of an After Action Review to identify any lessons to be learned from the incident and provides staff support, using the skills of Psychological First Aid (PFA).
We are also providing a ‘Train the Trainer’ course which will train suitably experienced NHS staff to deliver the basic course for staff ‘in house’ in their organisation. (See below)
These are the objectives for this training course which is offered in a one or two day format:
At the conclusion of the training participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework 2020 and how the Debriefing and Psychological First Aid (PFA) process fits in with and enhances the Framework
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the NHS model of Psychosocial Care and Psychological First Aid (PFA) and of an After Action Review
- Recognise typical reactions that may be caused by Post Traumatic Stress and other stress related problems in themselves and their colleagues
- Demonstrate a knowledge of a ‘Peer Support’ model of staff support suitable for use in hospitals
- Conduct a ‘Defusing’ session
- Facilitate a ‘Debriefing and PFA Session’ following a Patient Safety Incident, incorporating the skills of an After Action Review and PFA
- Provide Impromptu and informal support for those they observe as being in need of it, or who chose to consult them for support
- Recognise the effects of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
- Use some strategies and techniques (mindfulness and practical) in order to minimise the impact and severity of some of the typical reactions to Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
- Identify those who may be in need of professional mental health care and refer them appropriately
- Recognise the limits of their skills and knowledge and obtain further advice when appropriate
Organising the Training
This training is being offered as a face to face or an ‘On-Line’ course, using any of the usual video conferencing platforms. It is being offered as a one or two day course. The two day version has the advantage of dealing with the course material in more depth, there is more time for exchange of ideas and experiences and delegates have the opportunity to practice the skills presented. We have recently provided 35 of these courses during an NHS Early Adopter trial programme, for East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which were organised by the Associate Director for Clinical Governance.
To discuss how we might tailor this training most appropriately for your needs or to access the ‘Train the Trainer’ course, please contact Gerry on: or telephone on 0118 973 1546 or 0781 841 0254.
Feedback from our clients
“Zoom approach worked surprisingly well. Small group work made possible –excellent. Good slides and content. Good pre-course reading and information for future reference. Excellent knowledge and experience of Gerry”
- Facilitation via Zoom and breakout rooms worked really well given current limitations.
- Anecdotal stories based on Gerry’s previous experience were interesting and relevant and helped illustrate the points he was making.
- Humorous style and relaxed delivery welcomed.
- Good balance of facilitator input, case studies and group discussion.
- Calm and well-paced delivery and good humoured.
- Clear and good at keeping everyone involved.
- Excellent content and facilitation in difficult/different circumstance –well done and thanks Gerry.
- The break halfway through each session was really helpful. Working online requires a different level of concentration so a break is important.
Feedback from Consultant Doctors following recent training for Health Education England