The Connection: Where Tech Meets Humanity in Healthcare Patient Safety from the Start: A Conversation with James Titcombe OBE
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Sep 17, 2025 In this insightful discussion, James Titcombe OBE, a patient safety advocate shaped by the tragic loss of his son, dives deep into the concept of patient safety, defining it as striving for zero avoidable harm. He highlights the significant progress made since the Morecambe Bay inquiry, yet underscores ongoing cultural challenges in maternity care. James advocates for teamwork and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance outcomes while addressing stark inequalities in maternal care. His call for a shift towards proactive problem sensing resonates as he emphasizes the shocking costs of avoidable harm.
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Personal Tragedy Sparked A Safety Campaign
- James Titcombe's journey into patient safety began after his son Joshua died from an undiagnosed infection in 2008.
- He campaigned for years leading to the Morecambe Bay investigation and changed his career to work in patient safety charities.
Defining Patient Safety As Zero Avoidable Harm
- Patient safety means striving for healthcare with zero avoidable harm by aligning systems to best practice.
- James frames avoidable harm as eliminable if care follows safe systems and standards.
Progress Is Real But Incomplete
- Progress has been made since Morecambe Bay, with perinatal mortality rates down ~20% since 2008.
- However, culture, teamwork, learning, and implementation have not changed enough and progress has slowed.