Learning from the design and development of the NHS Safety Thermometer

Source:  International Journal of Quality in Health Care 26/3 pp. 287-297

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Date of publication:  June 2014

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  The NHS Safety Thermometer has been developed to measure the prevalence of harm from pressure ulcers, falls and urinary tract infections in people with catheters and venous thromboembolism on one day each month. It is for all NHS patients. The tool was developed during a learning collaborative between 161 organisations and tested over a 17 month period, with 73,651 patient entries. The researchers determined that it is possible to obtain national data using a standardised tool completed by site coordinators. It is important that data collectors are well trained.

Length of Publication:  11 pages

Patient safety pilot shows improved results

Source:  Nursing Times

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Date of publication: March 2012

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  During a pilot of the “NHS Safety Thermometer” it was found that there was a 4.2% increase in older patients who received care that was harm free.  The pilot focussed the occurrences on falls, pressure ulcers, venous thomboembolisms and urinary infections from catheters.  The article also quotes a number of instances where rising care standards were reported on implementation of the pilot.

Length of publication:  1 webpage

Team update: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Source: Patient Safety First Safety Express Newsletter Issue 6 p6

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Date of publication: 23 May 2011

Publication type: Newsletter

In a nutshell: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals have been given a place on the NHS North West and the Advancing Quality Alliance (AQUA) Safety Express Programme.  This is an acknowledgement of their work in safe guarding their patients.  The first stage of the programme is to focus on the 4 harms (falls, VTE, catheter related urinary infections and pressure ulcers

Length of Publication: 1 page

Prevention and management of venous thromboembolism

Source: SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network)

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Date of publication: December 2010

Publication type: Guidelines

In a nutshell: This report provides recommendations on preventing and managing venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Length of publication: 107 pages

Some important notes: Supporting evidence can be found on the SIGN website

Acknowledgement: NHS Evidence