SUPPORT FOR MEMBERS
In today’s healthcare environment, effective risk management depends on more than just policies and procedures—it requires insight, reflection, and collaboration. The Annual Risk Review is designed to uncover opportunities before they surface as a patient safety concern. It serves as a supportive, structured check-in that provides each Member with tailored guidance to reach their unique goals while also contributing to a broader, community-wide understanding of risk.
At its core, the Annual Risk Review is an opportunity to step back and focus on what matters most to your organization. Through an interactive dialogue with an experienced Risk Consultant, Members gain a high-level view of their current risk management priorities, along with practical recommendations and access to our latest resources. Each year, the review is refreshed with new questions and materials that align with rising risks we’re seeing, ensuring that the conversation remains relevant and forward-looking.
COLLABORATION IS KEY
For individual Members, the value is immediate and actionable. The review provides a dedicated space to explore specific challenges, validate existing practices, and identify areas where additional support—such as targeted risk assessments or customized education—can make a meaningful difference. It’s a collaborative checkpoint that helps organizations strengthen their approach to risk in a way that is both efficient and impactful.
In addition, the value of participation extends beyond the individual organization. Each review contributes to a larger body of insight that reflects the shared experiences of the entire membership. By identifying common themes and patterns, these collective insights enable the development of more relevant guidance, practical tools, and effective educational resources for all Members. This pooled knowledge base shapes a stronger, more informed community.
KEY RISK THEMES & INSIGHTS FROM 2025
Several consistent system-level risk themes emerged from our 2025 reviews. The following provides an overview of insights for our Members.
- Documentation Audits: Many organizations have well-defined criteria, policies, or expectations in place, but lack consistent oversight and verification. Key areas where this is the case are in the use of chaperones, interpretive services, and informed consent. Inconsistent monitoring can create a false sense of assurance, with gaps often only discovered after an adverse event, complaint, or claim. By that point, opportunities for prevention have already been missed. Effective risk management isn’t just about having the right policies on paper, but also about ensuring that they’re documented, actively implemented, monitored, and sustained in practice.
- Overdue Orders and Follow-Up: Gaps in tracking and closing the loop on orders and follow-up continue to pose significant patient-safety risks. Missed or delayed follow-up can result in serious, costly outcomes and patient harm. Tracking, closing the loop, and documentation are essential for quality care
- Sexual Misconduct Complaints: Inconsistent processes for handling sensitive issues such as sexual misconduct complaints can heighten exposure. Delays or missteps might increase organizational exposure and erode trust. Clear processes protect everyone who could potentially be involved in a complaint, including patients, staff, and the organization.
- Communication After Unexpected Outcomes: Absence of a defined process leads to variability and missed opportunities. Early, structured communication helps preserve trust and reduce escalation. A defined process turns conversations about unexpected outcomes (and/or apology and disclosure) into a reliable practice, rather than guesswork about communicating important next steps.
- Challenges Around Incidental Findings: Diagnostic test findings which are unrelated to the original care issue are considered incidental. Incidental findings often create inconsistent communications and follow-up responsibilities can lead to confusion and missed care needs. The interconnected nature of medicine warrants clearly defined processes, supported by team training, for the management of incidental findings to ensure diligence and continuity of patient care.
- Supervisor and Manager Training: Workforce risk is patient safety risk. Gaps exist in training related to hiring, evaluations, corrective action, and termination. New leaders often carry employment-related risks; consistent and recurring training can mitigate exposure.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Annual Risk Review process remains intentionally designed to respect Members’ time while maximizing value. It is a streamlined yet meaningful way to gain personalized insight, contribute to a broader knowledge base, and access resources that are continuously refined based on real-world experience. Ultimately, the strength of this process lies in its dual benefit: it empowers each Member with unique, organization-specific insights while simultaneously advancing a collective understanding of risk.
To learn more, or to schedule your next review, connect with your Risk Consultant and take the next step in strengthening both your organization and the broader risk management community. If you do not have an assigned Risk Consultant, reach out to [email protected].
Download an overview of our Annual Risk Review