Consumer participation in Clinical Incident Review Teams

The South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) are seeking health consumers to join Clinical Incident Review Teams.

  • These teams, consisting of staff and consumers, investigate clinical incidents.
  • A clinical incident is an unexpected event in healthcare that results in or could result in harm to a patient.
  • Consumer involvement increases the focus on the patient experience during these reviews.

We welcome applications from consumers from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.

What is involved?

  • Attendance at a full day of Clinical Incident Management training.
  • Completion of a brief survey on safety culture before and after training.
  • Participation in panel reviews, which can be attended via Microsoft Teams. Each meeting requires about 2 hours, including preparation. Some reviews may need multiple meetings.

What is provided?

  • Training costs are included.
  • Remuneration of $37.50 per hour, with a minimum two-hour payment for each panel review.
  • Access to debriefing and psychological support as needed.

How do panel review meetings work?

You will be provided with more detailed information about the role of consumer panel members in clinical incident reviews. Below is a brief summary of what is required from consumers before, during and after the panel meeting review.

  • Before the panel review meeting

    Documents for the meeting will be provided to you before the meeting. These include a timeline for the incident. A timeline includes key information about what happened and when it happened. Any relevant policies and procedures will also be provided to allow you to better understand what should have happened.

  • During the panel review meeting

    You will take part in discussions with staff members to determine what happened, why it happened and what can be done to prevent it from happening again.

    Part of your role is to ensure that patient/family concerns are shared during the review.

    If you don't understand some of the information, you can ask questions.

  • After the panel review meeting

    You will receive a draft report and will be asked to provide any feedback about the report that you have to the panel facilitator.