The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is proud to announce the 23rd Quality Improvement (QI) & Audit Symposium, set to take place on 21 March 2025. This annual event offers trainees at all levels of their careers a valuable platform to attend, present, and receive feedback on their Audit and QI projects. It’s a unique opportunity for professional growth, collaboration, and learning in the ever-evolving field of healthcare.
Focus on Patient Safety
One of the highlights of this year’s symposium is the keynote lecture on patient safety, delivered by Dr. Henrietta Hughes, OBE. Dr. Hughes is a renowned figure in healthcare and patient safety advocacy. In advance of her talk, she has kindly provided us with a glimpse of what attendees can expect from her presentation.
Every day, healthcare professionals face difficult decisions that involve balancing the benefits and risks for their patients. These choices, whether they have immediate or long-term effects, impact patient safety—sometimes in ways that are unforeseen or unintended. While the healthcare system strives to do its best, we have seen far too many tragedies where patients are harmed by a system that is slow, disjointed, and fails to listen to the needs of those it is meant to serve.
This is where Dr. Hughes' work becomes so important. She advocates for a set of guiding principles that can help healthcare providers navigate these tough choices. The goal is to have a framework in place that guides us when we’re unsure about the right course of action, when we feel unsafe, or when the system seems to be asking the impossible. These principles are designed to ensure that, above all, patients remain at the heart of every decision.
Dr. Hughes' Patient Safety Principles provide this much-needed guidance. They include:
- Create a culture of safety
- Put patients at the heart of everything
- Treat people equitably
- Identify and act on inequalities
- Identify and mitigate risks
- Be transparent and accountable
- Use information and data to drive improved care and outcomes
These principles are not just theoretical ideals; they are intended to be woven into the fabric of everyday practice. They should guide us in our daily actions and interactions, fostering a culture of safety that protects everyone—patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.
By adhering to these principles, healthcare providers can ensure that patient safety is prioritised at every stage of care. The focus on equity and addressing healthcare inequalities means that no patient will be left behind. Furthermore, transparency and accountability are key to rebuilding trust with patients and preventing harm in the future.
When we encounter actions or instructions that appear to contradict these Patient Safety Principles, it’s essential that we pause and reflect. Are these actions going to harm the patient now or in the future? The principles provide a “north star” to help healthcare professionals navigate complex situations and make decisions that prioritise patient well-being.
The Role of Trainees in Patient Safety
The importance of patient safety is not just a concern for senior professionals; it is everyone’s business. That’s why this year’s QI & Audit Symposium is particularly valuable for trainees. The symposium provides an opportunity for trainees to showcase their work in Quality Improvement and Audit through oral or poster presentations. These presentations give trainees the chance to receive valuable feedback and engage in discussions with peers and experts in the field.
While abstract submissions for the 2025 event have now closed, we invite anyone interested in participating in the 2026 symposium to add their name to the registration list. For those interested, you can reach out to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s education team at education@rcsed.ac.uk to express interest in future abstract submissions.
A Collaborative Approach to Safer Healthcare
The QI & Audit Symposium represents a critical juncture where the future of healthcare can be shaped. Trainees, mentors, and healthcare professionals alike come together to foster a culture of continuous improvement. The sharing of ideas, research, and solutions all contributes to the broader goal of making healthcare safer for everyone.
As we move forward, it’s vital that we continue to embrace the principles outlined by Dr. Hughes and others in the field. Together, we can build a healthcare system that is more patient-centered, transparent, and accountable, where safety is always at the forefront of our practice.
We look forward to seeing you at the 23rd QI & Audit Symposium and to the inspiring conversations and contributions that will shape the future of patient safety.
Join Us at the 23rd QI & Audit Symposium 2025
We encourage all trainees to register for the event and be part of this essential discussion on patient safety, you can book your place here.
Thank you for your commitment to improving patient care and ensuring the safety of those who rely on us every day!