Learning from Incidents – how reviews of patient safety events help the health service learn and improve care
Introduction
Research Area:
Patient safety
What is the research about?
Reviews of patient safety events aim to protect patients, improve care and help the health service learn from incidents. However, research into these reviews is often shaped by researchers and healthcare professionals. We want to ensure that patients’ and families’ perspectives are also reflected in how reviews are assessed and improved.
We are seeking patients, family members, carers and members of the public with experience of health services in Ireland to help shape this research. Contributors will provide feedback on what makes a review meaningful, fair and accessible, including whether patients and families are appropriately involved and whether recommendations lead to meaningful improvements.
Your input will help refine the tool used to assess review reports, improve research materials such as surveys and interview questions, and inform how findings are interpreted and shared. The research will contribute to recommendations for the Health Service Executive (HSE) on improving patient safety reviews.
What will PPI contributors do?
This opportunity will last approximately 2–6 months, beginning in December 2026, with a flexible start date.
Contributors will work with the research team to:
- Review the overall research approach and provide feedback on surveys, interview questions and information sheets.
- Assess a structured tool developed to review patient safety reports, ensuring it reflects patient and family priorities.
- Help interpret findings and advise on how results should be shared with patients, families and the public.
Meetings: Approximately 2–4 online meetings, lasting 30–40 minutes each, scheduled according to availability.
Preparation: Around one hour of reading before each meeting. Materials will be provided in plain language.
Support: An introductory call and a named researcher will provide ongoing support. Contributors will not be required to share personal experiences and may choose to skip sensitive topics or step back at any time.
Who can take part?
We are looking for one PPI contributor who is:
- A patient, service user, family member or carer with experience of health services in Ireland, or someone with experience advocating for patients and families.
- Aged 18 or over and comfortable communicating in English.
Experience of a patient safety event would be particularly valuable but is not essential. No previous PPI, research or clinical experience is required. Meetings will be online, so there are no location restrictions.
Payment and expenses
Contributors will receive payment for their time in accordance with the EQUIPS Research Network payment policy. Any travel or other expenses will also be reimbursed.
The research team will discuss any potential implications for tax or social welfare entitlements before participation.
Closing date and how to express interest
To express your interest or find out more, please contact Tianran Zhang at TZHANG4@tcd.ie by 30 November 2026.
An informal discussion can be arranged before you decide whether to participate.
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
Around 2–4 meetings of 30–40 minutes each, with approximately 1 hour of reading beforehand for each meeting. Meetings will usually be held online. If any in-person activity is required, it will take place in a fully accessible location in Dublin.
Contact between meetings:
Contact between meetings will be by email, or by phone if you prefer. This will mainly involve receiving materials to read ahead of each meeting and any follow-up from the discussion.
Length of involvement:
2–6 months (start date negotiable)
Start date for involvement:
20/10/2026
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
Meetings will be held on Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Before each meeting, you will be sent a link by email; you only need to click the link to join, and you do not need to create an account. If you have not used these platforms before, a researcher will be happy to help you set up and join, including a short practice call beforehand if that would be helpful. You can join by computer, tablet or smartphone, with or without your camera on.
If in person, explain where:
Not applicable
Other ways of communicating:
Email or phone / whichever you prefer. Reading materials can be sent in advance in a format that suits you.
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
Research started
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
No
Closing date to contact researchers:
20/11/2026
Research Team
Contact person:
Tianran Zhang
University/organisation:
Trinity College Dublin – Centre for Innovative Human Systems - School of Psychology
Contact email:
TZHANG4@tcd.ie
Researcher background:
Psychologist
Research funder:
HSE National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate
Photo:
Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
Please complete this form and click SUBMIT