If IT changes that have a potential clinical effect are being implemented within the NHS, then clinical safety is important. Dr Ian Jackson, medical director and clinical safety officer at Refero, believes the CSO role in a primary care setting is no longer optional -but necessary.
The Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) role was originally developed following lessons learned during the National Programme for IT. The National Patient Safety Agency was commissioned to review the programme in 2004 - ultimately concluding that clinical safety was not being addressed in a pro-active manner.
Since its introduction, the CSO role has received mixed feedback from healthcare professionals. Initially, there was very little interest, most likely due to the lack of understanding around new and emerging healthcare technologies. The first set of guidelines were also cumbersome and difficult to follow. However, over time, HSCIC (now NHS Digital) improved the guidance and encouraged the development of the role, with a training and accreditation process.
To take up the role, the clinician is required to complete Clinical Risk Management Training. NHS Digital explains this as “training in the principles of safety, risk management and risk mitigation, all within the context of health IT by implementing the safety standards, DCB0129 and DCB0160.”
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