How can we assess how well providers review, investigate and learn from deaths?

The Care Quality Commission issued a call for views on how it can strengthen the way it looks at whether NHS trusts learn from deaths to improve the care they provide.

The College response notes the importance of timely investigation of a death where there are concerns, and encouraging broader mortality review – ideally at specialty level, deaths are screened and triaged and a proportion subject to local review. The key is to ensure that there is local learning.  This call for views is welcome especially at a time where patients and relatives are more empowered (and have a voice) to inquire into the circumstances of death.