Key Resources

If you look at nothing else, you should have a look at the documents below which will provide you with an overview of the current state of patient safety theory and policy. Further reading and links to websites can be found in the document entitled TAPS resources. Information about tools that have been used to improve patient safety kind be found in the tools and interventions section.

Please contact your librarian who will be happy to help you access these articles.

  • Human error [ see abstract on PubMed Central | link to full article ]. This article describes the different approaches taken when managing human error and why approaches that focus on the individual making the error are often ineffective. Reason, J. Human error: models and management. BMJ 2000; 320: 768-770.
  • Junior doctors and patient safety [ see abstract on BMJ.com ] This article describes, with case studies, some of the safety issues facing newly qualified doctors. Long, S. Neale, G. and Vincent C. Practising safely in the foundation years. BMJ 2009; 338:b1046.
  • Nursing and human error [ see abstract on Wiley online ]. This article describes human error theory and considers its relevance for nurse managers. Armitage, G. Human error theory:relevance to nurse management. Journal of Nursing Management 2009; 17:193-202.
  • Nursing Homes and Patient Safety [see paper]. This 2011 article describes using quality imporovement principles to improve safety of care in Canadian residential homes.
  • Human factors [ see abstract on sciencedirect.com ] Lawton R.J. Ward N.J. A systems analysis of the Ladbroke Grove Train Crash. Accident Analysis and Prevention 2005; 37: 235-244 . Ward N.J. A systems analysis of the Ladbroke Grove Train Crash. Accident Analysis and Prevention 2005; 37: 235-244.
  • Government policy on patient safety http://www.publications.parliament.uk/ An important policy document on patient safety in healthcare. An interesting section on the difficulties of measuring safety by recording incidents.
  • Threats to patient safety http://www.patientsafetyfirst.nhs.uk/ Patient Safety First Campaign report on human factors in healthcare.
     

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