What happens when I submit a Datix?
What is Datix?
It is a risk management information system. It gathers information on processes and errors. Datix is a tool and its utility is dependent on the users.
Who should use it?
Everyone! It is everyones responsibility to report on any issue which may compromise patient safety. This is central to good clinical governance and best practice, as well as contributing to learning.
What happens to the Datix?
The local departmental management team will review the submitted information and investigate. MED collates all Datixes involving or submitted by a Resident Doctor for review by site directors and the wider team
What does MED do?
MED collates all Datixes involving or submitted by a Resident Doctor for review by site directors and the wider team
No adverse effect/Minor harm
Review by a local manager who undertakes further inquiries.
Moderate harm
Escalation to Senior Staff (eg. Clinical Nurse Manager) but local review can still be undertaken if appropriate.
Major harm or death
Escalated to Senior Management who will establish a review team and follow the Significant Adverse Event process
Who to speak to if questions/concerns
Your named Clinical or Educational supervisor
Your site Medical Education Fellow (MEF) https://www.med.scot.nhs.uk/about-us/the-med-team
Peer Support Service via the intranet link
Some definitions
Adverse event: an event that could have caused, or did result in, harm.
Near Miss: any adverse event which could have caused harm.
Significant adverse event: an adverse event which has led to major harm or death.
Never Event: an event which should never happen due to the availability of nationally agreed procedures, protocols or guidelines.
Minor harm: for example, a patient required additional or prolonged monitoring after an event, or minor treatment
Moderate harm: short term harm requiring additional treatment or procedures.
Severe harm: permanent or long-term harm to the patient
Useful resources to learn more about the Datix process
Learnpro modules on Datix:
Lothian: Datix -Guide to Adverse Event Management (Manager perspective)
Adverse Event Management page (including link to Datix)
Quality Improvement Support team page including links to Risk Grading Matrix via Risk Register subpage
Adverse event grading table (similar to Risk Grading Matrix and accessible by using intranet search)
Adverse event review tools matrix (accessible by using intranet search)
Intranet resources:
Wikipedia page on the history of Datix: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datix
