The trigger review method

Systematically reviewing clinical records for previously undetected incidents and potential threats using the trigger review method (TRM) can provide care teams with a whole new perspective on patient safety. It also offers valuable opportunities to take pre-emptive action before harm can occur or pinpoint learning needs where patient safety may have been avoidably compromised. The TRM is a structured approach to screening clinical records for undetected patient safety incidents. It was adapted from approaches in other healthcare sectors in 2007 and subsequently developed and validated in Scottish general practices. The majority of reviewers perform at least one clinical or patient care-related action when performing the review, while the vast majority also indicate their intention to take further actions as a result of the review process. The evidence shows that the majority of reviewers are able to identify learning points and learning needs at the professional and practice team level.