Getting started
Each time you use the Incident Decision Tree, you need to work through four pages to customise the tool for the situation under consideration.
First page – have you used the Incident Decision Tree before?
This page gives you the option to learn more about the Incident Decision Tree and how it works.
Second page – is this a patient safety incident?
The Incident Decision Tree has been designed specifically for use following a patient safety incident. Although it promotes general good management practice, it may not prove effective in other serious untoward incidents or in situations such as a breakdown in working relationships, poor general performance or absenteeism.
This page asks you to check that the situation does involve a patient safety incident.
Third page – Read Only version or Secure Storage version?
We offer two versions of the tool and you will be asked to choose either the Read Only version or the Secure Storage version. The logic used in the two versions is identical, but the features are different.
The Read Only version does not allow you to enter or store any information about the incident. It is ideal if you want a quick run-through of the Incident Decision Tree. The Read Only version works with all currently known web browsers (at time of writing).
The Secure Storage version allows you to store permanent notes about the incident on your own computer (no information will be transmitted over the web). It also allows you to save your progress and return to the tool at a later date. It is ideal if you want a thorough record of your decision-making. The Secure Storage version only works with the Internet Explorer web browser on a Windows PC. If you are using Internet Explorer and experience problems these are likely to be because of your organisation's local IT security settings. Please contact your IT support team for advice. In the meantime, you will be able to access the Read Only version.
Fourth page – select care setting
All the guidance notes and illustrations have been carefully tailored for different care settings, as terminology, organisation structure and management processes vary considerably from healthcare sector to healthcare sector. You will therefore be asked to select the care setting the individual was working in at the time of the incident. The care settings are as follows:
- ambulance services;
- community pharmacy or optometry practice;
- dental practice;
- GP practice (employee);
- GP practice (partner);
- mental health and learning disabilities services;
- primary care organisation (PCO);
- secondary and tertiary care services.
We are currently working on a version for locum, agency and bank employees. Watch our web-site for more information.
