Adverse incident

Any event or circumstance that could have or did lead to unintended or unexpected harm, loss or damage to patients/public/staff or organisation

Adverse event

Any event or circumstance that did lead to unintended or unexpected harm, loss or damage to patient/public/staff or organisation

Assurance statement

A written declaration of confidence in an organisation

Clinical Governance

Corporate accountability for clinical performance

Compliance

The degree to which organisations adhere to risk management standards

Controls Assurance

The system of management of risk which issued in NHS (England) based on best governance practice and Internal Control. It exists to inform NHS (England) boards about significant risks within the organisation for which they are responsible. It is intended to assist staff to identify risks, to help them to determine unacceptable levels of risk, and to decide on where best to direct resources to eliminate or reduce those risks. The use of self-assessment techniques is fundamental to the process in ensuring that objectives are met and risks are properly controlled.

Cost

Cost of activities, direct and indirect, involving any negative impact, including money, time, labour, disruption, goodwill, political and intangible loss.

Harm

Injury (physical or psychological) suffering, disability or death which was unexpected

Hazard

A source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss

Healthcare Associated Infection

Infection acquired in a hospital or other healthcare setting

Incidence (of infection)

Rate at which new cases occur

Likelihood

Used as a qualitative description of probability or frequency

Near miss

Where no harm loss or damage is caused but could have resulted in harm, loss or damage in other circumstances

Performance Assessment Framework

The method used within NHSScotland to measure performance of NHS Boards against agreed indicators

Probability

Probability is the chance or likelihood of a specific event or outcome measured by the ratio of specific events or outcomes to the total number of possible events or outcomes. Probabilities may vary in value from 0 (no chance) to 1 (certain). It is sometimes expressed as a percentage

Risk

The chance of something happening that will have an impact upon objectives. It is measured in terms of the severity of the consequence and frequency

Risk assessment

The process used to determine risk management priorities by comparing the level of risk against predetermined standards, target risk levels or other criteria

Risk management

The culture, processes and structure that are directed towards the effective management of potential opportunities and adverse effects

Risk management process

The systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the tasks of establishing the context, identifying, analysing, evaluating, treating, monitoring and communicating risk

Risk reduction

A selective application of appropriate techniques and management principles to reduce either likelihood or an occurrence or its consequences, or both

Stakeholders

Those people and organisations who may affect, be affected by or perceive themselves to be affected by a decision or activity