New best practice guide to family engagement after a patient safety event

A new handbook is now available to help health and care staff in BSW support patients and families after a patient safety event.

The handbook, Compassionate Communication, Meaningful Engagement has been developed by six NHS Trusts, with support from BSW Integrated Care Board and aims to improve collaboration with patients, their families, and carers.

The handbook includes principles of compassionate engagement, the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals, and information about the processes following an incident. It also brings together a range of signposting information and resources for both families and staff.

The handbook has been developed in connection with Making Families Count, a training organisation that works with the wider health and social care system to drive greater engagement and support for families, improve patient safety and reduce harm.

Claire Mendelson, Senior Quality Manager at BSW ICB said:

“As organisations across BSW prepare for the introduction of a new approach to patient safety incidents through the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework, it is important that colleagues have the support to work confidently, compassionately and openly with families after an unexpected patient event.

This handbook provides that support as well as hands-on practical advice developed through collaboration between healthcare professionals and family members based on lived experience.”

You can download the handbook here: Compassionate Communication, Meaningful Engagement: A best practice guide for supporting patients and families after a patient safety event