There are multiple sources of data that can be analysed to inform the learning that comes from mistakes, in order to shape policy and identify training needs for the future.

1. Local data

As described in the RPS’ ‘Professional standards for the reporting, learning, sharing, taking action and review of incidents’, all incidents should be reported locally. If every member of staff reports all incidents, an organisation will have a comprehensive set of data. This helps to identify patterns and establish when local systems can be improved.

2. Third-party data

Third-party data comes from outside of an organisation. The National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS), operated by NHS Improvement, is the world’s largest and most comprehensive patient safety incident reporting system.

Reports from local systems feed into the NRLS, along with a small number of reports that are directly recorded on the NRLS. The National Patient Safety Team processes the reports submitted to the NRLS and distributes key safety messages to relevant organisations as National Patient Safety Alerts.

Another source of data to be aware of is the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card Scheme. This is the UK system for collecting and monitoring information on suspected safety concerns or incidents involving medicines and medical devices. Patients can report side effects directly to the Yellow Card Scheme.

3. Patient reports

Patients are an important source of safety data. People should be encouraged to report issues to their healthcare providers, even if there is no harm caused. This helps to increase the amount of information available for analysis.

An example of a project aimed to increase patient involvement in safety is PRASE: Patient Reporting and Action for a Safe Environment.  This is a system for collecting patient feedback about how safe they feel while they are in hospital, developed by the Improvement Academy. PRASE used a Patient Incident Reporting Tool (PIRT) to allow patients to provide detailed accounts of their experiences anonymously to PRASE volunteers. Similar systems can be used in pharmacy.