Purpose:
This course provides a practical introduction to thematic analysis for patient safety learning. It helps participants move beyond single-incident thinking to identify recurring themes, common contributory factors, and system-level patterns across multiple data sources. The emphasis is on turning dispersed intelligence into useful insight that can inform PSIRF planning, governance discussions, service redesign, and proactive improvement.
Why this course matters to organisations
Organisations increasingly need to draw insight from multiple sources of safety information rather than treating incidents in isolation. This course helps teams improve the quality of thematic reviews, support more strategic learning, identify cross-cutting risks, and strengthen how incident, complaint, and risk information informs improvement priorities.
Intended audience
Suitable for patient safety specialists, governance and risk teams, quality improvement leads, divisional governance staff, service managers, and others involved in reviewing or synthesising safety information across departments or services.
Topics covered
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What thematic analysis is and when to use it
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Moving from single-event learning to cross-cutting insight
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Working with incidents, complaints, risks, audits, and other data sources
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Identifying themes, subthemes, and recurring contributory factors
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Using structured approaches to coding and synthesis
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Distinguishing signal from noise
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Presenting thematic findings in ways that support decision-making
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Linking thematic learning to PSIRF, governance, and improvement priorities
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
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Describe the purpose and value of thematic analysis in patient safety work
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Use a structured approach to identify patterns across multiple sources of information
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Develop clearer thematic findings that support organisational learning
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Translate themes into improvement priorities, action planning, and governance discussion
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Contribute to more strategic, proactive approaches to patient safety learning
Format and duration
Available as a one-day workshop or a tailored applied programme using anonymised local material where appropriate. Delivery can be face-to-face, online, or blended.
Tailoring and follow-up
The course can be tailored to local governance structures, incident themes, or improvement priorities. Optional follow-up can include support with live thematic reviews, coding frameworks, or facilitated interpretation sessions for safety teams.
Thematic Analysis for Patient Safety Learning
Specialist course for teams who need to identify patterns, recurring risks, and system themes across incidents, complaints, claims, and other safety intelligence.