From Bedside Nursing to Digital to Clinical Safety Officer

“How can I make a greater impact beyond bedside nursing?” I get asked this question many times. If you are currently working in a clinical role and are reflecting on this question, stepping into the digital world as a CSO might be your next move.

When I initially started my journey as a CSO, my curiosity was primarily focused on the safety of the various digital clinical systems utilised in clinical settings. However, I quickly realised that I wanted to help shape safer, more efficient systems for patients and staff.

What Does a CSO Do?

A CSO ensures that digital clinical systems are safe for patients. The responsibilities of a CSO can be summarised as follows:

Identifying and Assessing Risks: A CSO identifies potential risks associated with digital clinical systems by analysing workflows, conducting risk assessments, and gathering data on incidents that may affect patient safety.

Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams: CSOs work closely with various stakeholders, including digital teams, clinical staff, and operational and administrative teams, to foster a safety culture within the organisation. Collaboration is essential to ensure that all perspectives are considered when implementing safety measures.

Monitoring and Reporting Incidents: A core responsibility is to monitor incidents related to digital systems, analyse the data, and report on findings. This helps identify patterns that could indicate systemic issues requiring intervention.

Ensuring Compliance with Safety Standards: CSOs ensure that all digital clinical systems adhere to established safety standards and regulations, working to maintain the highest level of care for patients.

How to Get Started?

The first step towards becoming a CSO involves professional development and active engagement in your current role. Here are some ways to get started:

1. Demonstrate Initiative in Your Current Role: Start by expressing your interest in clinical safety. Participate in digital projects within your organisation, share your insights and feedback, and volunteer for responsibilities related to digital health, such as joining digital champion initiatives or ward digital links. You can pave the way for future opportunities by actively showing your interest.

2. Leverage Your Clinical Experience: Your background as a clinician is a significant advantage. Understanding patient needs, clinical workflows, and how clinicians interact with digital systems. This perspective will enable you to advocate effectively for patient safety and system improvements.

3. Learn About the CSO Role: Seek opportunities to learn from current CSOs. This can include asking if they would be willing to mentor you, arranging shadowing opportunities, or simply engaging in conversations to understand their day-to-day responsibilities and challenges.

4. Pursue Relevant Training: To equip yourself with essential knowledge, consider enrolling in free online Clinical Risk Management training offered by NHS England. This training covers fundamental aspects like safety standards, risk management strategies, and safety culture, which are critical to the CSO role.

5. Network Actively: Building a network of contacts in clinical safety can be beneficial. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars focused on digital health to meet other professionals, share experiences, and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.

How to Make It Work?

Successfully transitioning into the role of a CSO requires commitment, adaptability, and a continuous desire to learn. Here are some strategies to help you thrive in this position:

Recognise the Value of Your Clinical Perspective: Never underestimate the wealth of knowledge and insight your clinical experience provides. Your unique background allows you to see issues and solutions others may overlook, making your contributions invaluable.

You won’t have all the answers: Understand that you will not have all the answers right away. Clinical safety is inherently a team effort. Be open to learning from others and actively seek their expertise to enhance your understanding.

Commit to Lifelong Learning: The digital health landscape is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and standards emerging regularly. As a CSO, staying informed and adaptable is essential.

Don’t Fear Mistakes: Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Cultivate an environment where it’s safe to discuss errors and near misses, as these discussions can lead to improvements in systems and processes, ultimately enhancing patient safety.

Thank you for reading.