Seven steps to patient safety

It is now well recognised that incidents in healthcare systems are a serious problem which requires urgent attention. This paper outlines the work of the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA), presents an overview of the 7 key steps required to achieve a safer organisation. The first 3 steps introduce the concepts, methods, research and practical tools in relation to developing a safety culture (step 1), establishing a strong focus on patient safety throughout the organisation (step 2) and integrating risk management systems (step 3). The following steps describe national and local reporting requirements (steps 4), patient and public involvement in safety (step 5), the root cause analysis approach to incident investigation (step 6) and transferring lessons to solutions (step 7). Every day more than a million people are treated safely and successfully in the NHS. However the advances in technology and knowledge in recent decades have created an immensely multifaceted healthcare system. Patient safety is such an important concept that taking this agenda forward might seem daunting in any area of the NHS. It is vital that healthcare staff can progress towards delivering this safety agenda. The 7 steps provides a guide to help them achieve this.