Summary of clinical harm definitions and how each clinical harm definition can be used to modify the priority category of each patient
| Clinical harm rating | Definition | Recommended action(s) |
|---|---|---|
| None | Neither current wait nor proposed deferral of investigation or treatment will cause organ damage or alter management | Consider discharging to primary care with appropriate safety netting. If not appropriate, continue with existing Priority category and review pathway annually |
| Mild | No actual harm caused by current wait but proposed deferral may cause limited harm (no organ damage or change in prognosis but may impact on psychological well-being or functional status) | Consider discharging to primary care with appropriate safety netting. If not appropriate, continue with current Priority category and schedule next event (accounting for time already waited) |
| Moderate | Current wait has caused mild actual harm or Proposed deferral may cause moderate harm in terms of organ damage, altered prognosis, change in treatment options, reduced functional status, severe pain and/or significant psychological distress | Move up a Priority category (from current category) and schedule next event (accounting for time already waited) Alert patient and GP |
| Severe | Current wait has caused moderate actual harm or Proposed deferral may cause severe harm in terms of organ damage, altered prognosis, change in treatment options, reduced functional status, severe pain, overwhelming psychological distress, and/or treatment intent changed to palliative/terminal care only | Move up a Priority category (from current category) and consider if harm warrants escalation to P1b Alert patient and GP Ensure active tracking at least weekly |
RTT = Referral to Treatment