Lessons from Near Misses: Learning Without the Harm
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In social care, some of the most valuable learning comes from what *didn’t* happen. Near misses — incidents that could have caused harm but didn’t — are goldmines for proactive improvement.
👀 Don’t Dismiss the “Almost”
Near misses are early warning signs. A missed medication dose that’s caught just in time, or a service user who nearly slips on a wet floor — these moments give you the chance to act *before* someone gets hurt.
Commissioners will score you highly if your culture encourages this kind of proactive reporting and learning.
🛠️ Use Near Misses to Improve
To learn from near misses:
- Record and analyse them, just as you would actual incidents
- Identify the root causes and contributing factors
- Put actions in place to stop them happening again
Importantly, this must happen *without blame*. A culture of openness is essential for honest reporting.
📢 Show It in Tenders
In your tender responses, go beyond policies. Describe how near miss reporting is embedded in your daily practice:
- Is there a dedicated log or form?
- Do you review near misses in team meetings or supervisions?
- What examples can you give where this led to meaningful change?
Stories matter here. Show your service actively learning and adapting.