What are the key components of a safety signal system and how do these apply to maternity care?
a) Critical safety system
A critical safety system is an essential component within various industries designed to ensure the safety and protection of personnel, equipment, and the environment.
These systems are implemented to prevent accidents, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
They are particularly vital in high-risk industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, aviation, nuclear energy, and healthcare.
Intrapartum care can be considered as a critical safety system: it requires the ability for rapid risk assessment, response and escalation to prevent high impact outcomes.
Suboptimal intrapartum care is a key factor in preventable harm.
b) Critical safety processes
Key processes for critical safety systems include:
- robust safety controls
- continuous monitoring
- effective emergency response
- comprehensive training programmes
All of which significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and enhance overall safety.
Regular reviews and updates to these systems are essential to adapt to evolving risks and ensure ongoing protection.
A large number of operational processes underpin intrapartum care.
Critical processes are those that are essential to prevent high impact outcomes and are described in the MOSS critical safety check (Annex 1).
c) Signal measurement
A signal tool (MOSS) is required that is able to monitor near-real time changes in the trends of defined critical safety outcomes.
d) Signal review and response
A critical safety checklist is a comprehensive tool used to ensure that all necessary safety measures and protocols are in place and functioning correctly before, during, and after a task or operation.
Annex 1 outlines this for MOSS.
e) Governance framework
Oversight and governance of a critical safety system involves establishing a robust framework that ensures safety protocols are effectively implemented, monitored, and continuously improved.
The Perinatal Quality Oversight Model will incorporate use of MOSS for monitoring, response and escalation and will ultimately determine outlier status alongside a range of other data and intelligence used under the model.
Publication reference: PRN02098_viii