With effective systems, tools and an enabling culture, risks in healthcare can be proactively managed and harm prevented. The new fact sheet aims to reduce common low-value practice, such as completing screening without acting on results, carrying forward previous risk scores without reassessment or not involving patients, families or carers in the process.
Every action, from timely risk monitoring to translating assessment results into action and plans for care, contributes to safer, more effective patient outcomes.
This new resource supersedes the guidance outlined in the previous advisory AS18/14: Comprehensive Care Standard: Screening and assessment for risk of harm.
Why this matters
Our latest fact sheet highlights the critical role of early identification in preventing harm. It outlines:
- why identifying at‑risk patients is essential for safe, effective care
- practical strategies that health service organisations and clinicians can use to screen, assess, and mitigate risks
- how ongoing improvement of early recognition systems help to create safer environments and improve patient outcomes across all care settings.
By strengthening our approach to early risk detection and targeted intervention, we can better protect patients and deliver safer, more proactive care.
More information
Visit safetyandquality.gov.au/national-standards or email comms4safety.compcare@safetyandquality.gov.au