Learning from our mistakes is absolutely necessary to improve patient care

Learning from Datixes

​To err is human; to cover up is unforgivable; and to fail to learn is inexcusable – Sir Liam Donaldson

 
Adverse Events

​Involvement in an adverse event is unfortunately something which will happen to all doctors during their working life at some point

Datix

Use of the Datix system is aimed at allowing personal and organisational learning from these events

Patient Safety in Lothian

The Medical Education Directorate (MED) collates all Datixes that involve a trainee and incorporates these into the Patient Safety in Lothian Foundation Programme.

 

Our next step to improve learning from datixes is to provide the opportunity for individual learning and support for the trainee, and also provide data required for the Educational Supervisor Structured Report (ESSR).

We will now send an email to the Named Educational Supervisor of a trainee if a trainee submits a datix, asking the ES to discuss the datix, and to provide feedback to the trainee. The email will be sent from MEDLearningFromDatixes@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this.

FAQ

  • can the ES see the content/subject of the datix: NO
  • is it mandatory to meet: NO
  • is this scrutiny: NO - this is supposed to be supportive and to help guide a PDP