This webinar was recorded on 12th March 2025
Speakers:
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Róisín Egenton, General Manager, Incident Management (Open Disclosure), HSE
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Eleanor Southgate, National Open Disclosure Manager, HSE
Resources:
Presentation Slides: Available Here
Website: National Open Disclosure Office
Link to IIOP webinar: 5th June 2024 ‘The Patient Safety Act and The National Open Disclosure Framework: Preparing for Implementation’
Summary:
This webinar was delivered by the National Open Disclosure Office, as part of the QPS Incident Management Team, HSE National Quality and Patient Safety. It provided an overview of open disclosure and why it is so important for patients and families, healthcare professionals and organisations, following a patient safety incident or notifiable incident, also offering information on supporting patients, families, and healthcare professionals through the open disclosure process. The session explored the legal frameworks surrounding these incidents, emphasising the collective responsibility of service providers in maintaining transparency and fostering patient trust. The webinar explored the principles and processes that guide Open Disclosure in the context of policy and legislation, with particular reference to the forthcoming Open Disclosure Policy 2025 as well as the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 which commenced on 26th September 2024. The presenters provided insights into incident management and patient engagement, stressing the importance of clear communication with patients following safety incidents. Examples of medication-related incidents were provided including an overview of medication incidents reported on NIMS from 2019 to 2022. The speakers signposted to training and resources available to healthcare professionals, relating to both open disclosure and incident management processes. This included HSELanD e-learning modules and shared learning resources. The webinar highlighted the critical role of empathetic communication and structured protocols in managing open disclosures effectively in healthcare settings.