Risk Assessments
Learn about the Patient Safety Risk Assessment Unit
“Partnering with CRICO on the risk appraisal process gave us a valuable outside perspective and helped us turn broad findings into a clear, multi-year patient safety roadmap. The process was collaborative, practical, and grounded in systems improvement. It not only helped us identify priorities we may not have otherwise surfaced, but also strengthened accountability and engagement across leadership, staff, and our board.”
Sarah Kadish
Vice President of Quality & Patient Safety, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Our Approach
CRICO’s Risk Appraisal Process (RAP) and Service Line Risk Assessment (SLRA) provide a comprehensive, evidence-based view of patient safety risks at both the system and department levels. The RAP examines organization-wide structures and practices, while the SLRA offers a focused, service-line-specific review. At the end of the three-phase assessment, you receive a detailed report outlining the data, findings, recommendations, and supporting evidence.
What the Assessments Reveal
Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative analysis, the RAP and SLRA examine the core domains of patient and staff safety: Structure, Culture, and Leadership. By engaging frontline staff, providers, and leadership, these assessments address layered questions to give leaders a practical roadmap for meaningful change.
- Strengths & Vulnerabilities: What helps patient safety programs succeed and what holds them back?
- In-depth Insights: How do leaders and frontline teams view the organization’s culture and performance?
- Roadmap & Tracking: How can local and system leaders drive innovation, foster collaboration, and sustain meaningful change?
Our Process
Phase 1: Preparation
Kick-Off Meeting (1-3 Months Before Onsite Work)
- Align on goals, scope, and timeline
Document Collection
The RAU team will request the organization to provide pre-assessment materials, such as:
- Patient experience data
- Staff culture & satisfaction surveys
- Prior risk assessments
- Prior regulatory reports
- Relevant policies
Final Prep (1 Week Prior)
- CRICO completes document review
- Schedule and assessment details finalized
Phase 2: Assessment
- Virtual or on-site interviews with key stakeholders
- Engagement with leaders, staff, and providers
- Observation of structures, workflows, and culture
Phase 3: Implementation & Follow-up
Final Report Delivered (6–8 weeks)
- Key findings
- Recommendations
- Supporting evidence
- Itemized scorecard with clear priority recommendations, benchmarking tools, and prioritization tracker
Ongoing Support
- Formal follow-ups at 6, 12, and 18 months
- Resource sharing & peer connections
- Ad-hoc consultation as needed
Hear how CRICO Risk Assessments are a valuable process for our members.
Improving Patient Safety for many years: hear from Lahey Medical
Patient Safety Contacts
CRICO Patient Safety Program Directors
