Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) deploys Datix
Solution closes the loop on incident management and improves patient safety
NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has deployed Datix patient safety software to create a joined-up approach to incident management.
By capturing data gathered from GP surgeries, Fylde and Wyre CCG plans to close the loop with local hospitals and other healthcare providers to pre-empt potential risks to patient safety, empower staff, save valuable time and money, and improve the overall NHS experience for clinicians and patients.
Fylde and Wyre CCG took inspiration from its local Commissioning Support Unit (CSU) Staffordshire and Lancashire CSU, which is using Datix to support the organisation’s award-winning Model of Insight and Involvement project designed to ensure the healthcare needs of patients are met in an effective, affordable way. When its license came up for renewal, Fylde and Wyre CCG decided to broaden the scope of its Datix implementation to gather information outside of typical health and safety incidents.
Nick Medway, practice engagement, quality and governance manager at Fylde and Wyre CCG, said: “The recent success at Staffs and Lancs CSU prompted us to take a totally fresh look at Datix and consider new ways of using the technology. Our ultimate goal is to turn the whole concept of traditional incident management on its head. While providers and partners continue to own and manage incidents and issues, by sharing them with the CCG our Datix solution provides a CCG-wide perspective on incidents and concerns. We are confident this new approach will encourage partners to share learning, their success stories and promote best-practice across the CCG’s commissioning framework.”
Fylde and Wyre CCG’s vision is Insight Datix, the group’s long-term project for collecting and analysing data with a dedicated Datix professional to drive it. Every Tuesday, the Clinical Review Group, consisting of GPs and CCG staff with nursing and quality experience, uses information held in Datix to tackle priority incidents that go beyond the usual trips, falls and medication errors.
For example, at one stage, Fylde and Wyre CCG received reports about patients being sent copies of letters from consultants to their GPs which were full of medical or technical terms that they did not understand. This was causing patients unnecessary concerns. Information in Datix about the situation raised the issue and the appropriate people were approached and have now made their letters more understandable to patients and GPs alike, saving time and lowering anxiety levels.
Another example involved several general practices reporting that they were not being advised quickly enough when a patient had passed away in hospital. This prompted Fylde and Wyre CCG’s Commissioner for end-of-life care to work with the bereavement office at the hospital involved to develop an improved notification system. GPs are now notified that a patient has died as soon as their notes arrive in the bereavement office. This has lead to far better communication with relatives and a more-caring way of dealing with bereavement.
Jonathan Hazan, chief executive of Datix, said: “Changes in the NHS landscape and a complex healthcare supply chain mean that closing the loop and increasing collaboration between Commissioning Support Units, Clinical Commissioning Groups, GPs, hospitals and other providers is now even more critical than ever. Datix captures a wealth of information that empowers commissioners to take effective decisions when planning, introducing and purchasing new services. What is more, the practical application of a versatile solution such as Datix makes a real difference to changing clinical procedures and improving patient safety.”
