Table 3

Comparison of original and redesigned selection criteria for always events (AEs)

Original AE selection criteriaRedesigned AE selection criteria by NES development group

  • 1. Important: Patients have identified the experience as fundamental to their care

  • 2. Evidence-based: The experience is known to be related to the optimal care of, and respect for, the patient

  • 3. Measurable: The experience is specific enough that it is possible to accurately and reliably determine whether or not it occurred

  • 4. Affordable and sustainable: The experience can be achieved by any organisation without substantial renovations, capital expenditures or the purchase of new equipment or technology

An Always Event…

  • 1. Is any healthcare interaction, process or outcome that is judged by patients, carers or relatives to be a highly important determinant of care quality and experience; AND

  • 2. Is unambiguous and specific to enable reliable measurement; AND

  • 3. Is consistently deliverable to applicable patient groups by all relevant healthcare organisations, teams and individuals; AND

  • 4. Is feasible as part of routine healthcare delivery

  • NES, NHS Education for Scotland.