CASCADE™ Safety Learning System

The CASCADE safety learning system is a structured methodology developed by patient safety specialist Aderonke Opawande for healthcare organisations implementing PSIRF. CASCADE is a working patient-safety learning demonstrator currently being tested with users using synthetic data. We are developing evaluation and pilot partnerships with health and care organisations. CASCADE helps health and care organisations see what they tried before, whether it was implemented and whether it worked, before deciding what to do next.

PSIRF, the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework, is the NHS England framework that replaced the Serious Incident Framework in 2023. It requires NHS organisations to investigate patient safety incidents proportionately, respond in ways most likely to promote learning, and embed a just culture of openness. PSIRF shifts the focus from blame and compliance to learning and improvement.

PSIRF requires NHS trusts to move away from standardised investigation tools and towards proportionate, learning-focused responses. CASCADE is a working patient-safety learning demonstrator currently being tested with users using synthetic data. We are developing evaluation and pilot partnerships with health and care organisations. CASCADE helps health and care organisations see what they tried before, whether it was implemented and whether it worked, before deciding what to do next. It works alongside existing PSIRF documentation and governance structures rather than replacing them.

CASCADE is a working patient-safety learning demonstrator currently being tested with users using synthetic data. We are developing evaluation and pilot partnerships with health and care organisations. CASCADE helps health and care organisations see what they tried before, whether it was implemented and whether it worked, before deciding what to do next. Detailed methodology is shared only through authorised engagements. To explore whether CASCADE is right for your organisation, start with an introductory discovery call via our enquiry form.

The CASCADE Workbook, available through the Patient Safety 101 Suite, introduces the system's core concepts and provides structured tools for individual practitioners and teams. It is designed as a standalone learning resource.