In health and social care, the safety of patients and other service users is paramount. The practice of clinical observations is central to ensuring this safety - a fundamental aspect that bridges the gap between standard care and exceptional outcomes.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores the indelible link between clinical observations and patient safety within UK health and social care settings, underpinned by relevant legislation, regulations, and the latest best practices.

Key definitions

• Clinical observations - Clinical observations relate to the assessment of vital signs to monitor a patient's health status.
• Patient safety - Patient safety is the reduction of the risk of unnecessary harm associated with healthcare to an acceptable minimum.

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The critical link between clinical observations and patient safety

Clinical observations, the routine monitoring of vital signs such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, serve as the frontline defence in patient care. They are not merely routine checks but are critical tools that can predict adverse events before they escalate into serious incidents.

Key facts and statistics

• Research indicates that effective clinical observations can reduce critical incidents in healthcare settings by up to 60%.
• Studies show that improved clinical observation practices have contributed to a 20% decrease in hospital readmissions.
• The Patient Safety Watch report highlights some stark statistics. When looking at rates of treatable deaths (those which can be mainly avoided through timely and effective healthcare intervention), if the UK matched the top decile of OECD countries, this would equate to 12,675 fewer deaths per year – that is 243 fewer deaths every week.
• Looking at primary care, in 2020, there were estimated to be between 19,800 and 32,200 cases of ‘probably avoidable’ significant harm to patients in England – between 380 and 619 patients coming to harm that could have been avoided weekly. The research presented here also highlights that the patient safety data we currently collect is limited regarding accuracy and breath. This must change.
• It is particularly disappointing that only 44% of trusts in England meet all their legal obligations under the Learning from Deaths programme (Patient Safety Watch, 2022).

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Relevant legislation, regulations, and best practices

The Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards outline clear guidelines for clinical observations to ensure patient safety. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also provides evidence-based recommendations for best practices in clinical observations.

The impact of timely and accurate observations

Timely and accurate clinical observations are instrumental in identifying changes in a patient's condition, allowing for prompt intervention. This proactive approach mitigates potential adverse events, significantly improving patient outcomes.

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Case studies showcasing the impact

• UK hospitals that have implemented enhanced training programmes for clinical observations have seen a 30% reduction in patient falls.
• The introduction of a digital clinical observation tool in care homes has led to the early detection of sepsis in elderly patients, improving recovery rates.

Strategies for integrating patient safety into clinical observations training

• Comprehensive training - Ensure all healthcare professionals are adept in the latest clinical observation techniques through continuous education.
• Technology integration - Utilise digital tools and software for real-time monitoring and alerts for abnormal vital signs.
• Policy and procedure updates - Regularly review and update clinical observation policies to reflect current best practices and regulatory guidelines.
• Patient-centred care - Focus on individual patient needs and circumstances to tailor clinical observations, enhancing safety and care quality.

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Recommendations

To strengthen the link between clinical observations and patient safety, healthcare settings must:

• Invest in ongoing staff training and development in clinical observation skills.
• Adopt advanced monitoring technologies for accurate and efficient patient observations.
• Foster a safety culture where every team member feels responsible for patient outcomes.
• Engage in regular audits and feedback sessions to identify areas for improvement in observation practices.

Conclusion

The intricate relationship between clinical observations and patient safety is undeniable. Through diligent practice, continuous improvement, and a commitment to excellence, healthcare professionals can safeguard the well-being of their patients. Embracing the advancements in training, technology, and policy will ensure that clinical observations continue to be a cornerstone of patient safety in UK health and social care settings.

Elevate patient safety in your healthcare setting by enhancing clinical observation practices. Explore our accredited online training courses on ComplyPlus LMS™, designed to empower healthcare professionals with the skills to make a difference. Enrol now and commit to the highest standards of patient care and safety.

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