A few years ago, the Protocol has been evolving and improving its specifications and requirements. In fact, the London Protocol is what we can call an improved version of the original. Protocol for Clinical Incident Investigation and Analysis. One could say that your goal is to comprehensively and reflectively analyze incidents and have a broader view of the context, without focusing solely on the failure itself or on blame.
Indeed, clinical expertise and point-in-time analyses should not be underestimated, but the London Protocol seeks to illuminate the prevention process more deeply than expert reports or even quick analyses, which, even if they identify problems, do not address the root causes with the same intensity.
It is worth noting that the reports and analyses are complementary to the London Protocol, and if worked together, they can also bring important information and contribute positively.
3 advantages of the London Protocol
Go beyond failure. In general terms, it is not that difficult to identify the action or omission that led to an incident. However, only a more in-depth analysis can show the complete chain of events that caused the failure.
Systematization. One of the foundations for a successful investigation is having a structured approach process that follows a coherent systematization. This way, institutions already have a well-founded starting point and can ensure that the surveys lead to a correct diagnosis and that the analysis reports are more efficient. Having a risk management system is fundamental.
Opening. Investigations that solely aim to identify the culprits are usually poorly received by employees. Once the idea is shared that an analysis process is more focused on identifying causes rather than necessarily punishing employees who had a specific role, respondents tend to understand that the evaluation is less threatening.
London Protocol Approaches
Some healthcare institutions have presented the possibility of developing protocol approaches with variable configurations. For example, cause analysis can be done in short, 15-minute sessions, solely to help identify the main reasons that caused the inconveniences or contributing factors.
Training is also one of the possibilities of accreditation, as it encourages employees, rather than assigning blame, to globally understand the steps of the method and assess where deviations that contribute to incidents may be arising.
The application of the London Protocol is also beneficial for creating multidisciplinary teams, which, in a way, reinforces collaboration, teamwork, and access to the specialties of other professionals. And as in the case of any incident, broadening perspectives favors the identification of more variables that may have caused the problems.
Incident Management and Outcome Management
Naturally, the reflective task regarding incidents and their history is best performed when an institution has appropriate analytical tools.
But how do we track indicators and deviations? It's very important that those involved in the analysis process can gather all strategic information in a single tool. Furthermore, it's crucial to define a collaborator responsible for the periodic review (monthly, weekly, or daily) of certain indicators. This way, risks are mitigated and a continuous improvement routine is implemented.
See also: What are the essential indicators for hospital management?
The most important thing is to look for root causes of undesirable events, instead of simply looking for culprits.
Does your hospital work well with risk and outcome management? Do you already adopt the London Protocol? Contact our specialists and see how we can help your institution.
