What is your understanding of making safeguarding personal for the patients?

According to the Care Act 2014, making safeguarding personal is a key principle that aims for meaningful improvements to an adult's life, shifting the focus from process-driven investigations to individual outcomes [1]. This article will explore the core concepts and practical application of the question: What is your understanding of making safeguarding personal for the patients?

Quick Summary

Making safeguarding personal (MSP) is a person-centered and outcome-focused approach that empowers patients to define their safety and wellbeing goals, placing their unique needs, choices, and views at the heart of care planning, rather than following a rigid, one-size-fits-all procedure.

Key Points

• Person-Led Philosophy: Making safeguarding personal (MSP) is a shift from a process-oriented to a person-centered approach, prioritizing the patient's individual wishes and desired outcomes [1, 2].

• Empowerment and Choice: Central to MSP is empowering patients to participate actively in decisions about their own safety and care, enhancing their control and involvement [1, 3].

• Meaningful Conversations: Professionals must engage in open, non-judgmental conversations to understand what is truly important to the patient, rather than just following a checklist of procedures [1].

• Balancing Autonomy and Care: MSP involves balancing the patient's right to make their own choices, including potentially unwise ones, with the professional's duty of care through supported decision-making and risk enablement [1].

• Holistic Outcomes: The focus is on achieving meaningful improvements to the person's overall quality of life, wellbeing, and safety, recognizing that a 'successful' outcome is defined by the individual [1].

• Shared Accountability: All parties involved—professionals, family, and the patient—share responsibility in a transparent process to achieve the agreed-upon outcomes [1, 3].

Defining the shift: From process to person

Making safeguarding personal (MSP) represents a fundamental shift in how care is provided, particularly in senior care settings. The focus moves from purely following procedures and mitigating risk to empowering the individual to define their own safety and wellbeing goals [1]. At the heart of what is your understanding of making safeguarding personal for the patients? is the principle of placing the patient's unique needs, choices, and views at the center of the safeguarding process [2]. This involves moving from a 'doing to' approach to a 'doing with' philosophy [1].

The six key principles of Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP)

MSP is built upon six key principles that guide ethical and effective care, including empowerment, prevention, and proportionality [1, 3]. It emphasizes protection, partnership, and accountability in safeguarding practices [1, 3].

Practical application in senior care

Applying MSP in senior care means collaboration among professionals, families, and patients. It begins with conversations about the individual's priorities [1]. This approach respects their autonomy while still addressing potential harm [1].

A comparative look at safeguarding approaches

A comparison between traditional safeguarding and Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) highlights their differences [1]. Traditional safeguarding is process-driven, viewing the patient as a subject of investigation with outcomes focused on the conclusion of an inquiry [1]. Decision-making is authority-led, with a focus on risk avoidance and formal, one-way communication [1]. In contrast, MSP is outcome-focused based on individual desires, sees the patient as an active participant and expert, and aims for meaningful life improvements [1]. Decision-making is person-led with support, risk management involves positive risk-taking, and communication is empathetic, respectful, and ongoing [1].

Moving from conversation to action

Implementing MSP is a dynamic process [1]. It involves starting a conversation to understand what is important to the patient, exploring options and consequences, and documenting agreed outcomes [1]. The plan is then implemented, followed by regular review and evaluation [1].

Challenges and considerations

Challenges include balancing autonomy with the duty of care, requiring skilled practitioners [1]. A robust advocacy framework is also crucial [1]. Considerations include moving beyond risk aversion to enable managed risks, understanding wishes for patients with diminished capacity using Mental Capacity Act principles, and ensuring transparency in information sharing [1]. Making safeguarding personal means honoring an individual's story, respecting their autonomy, and collaborating on solutions [1]. For further authoritative guidance, refer to resources from the {Link: Local Government Association https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/partners-care-and-health/care-and-health-improvement/safeguarding-resources/making-safeguarding-personal} [2].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between traditional safeguarding and Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP)?

Traditional safeguarding focuses on a fixed process to investigate abuse and neglect. MSP, in contrast, is a person-led approach that centers on the individual's desired outcomes and empowering them in the decision-making process [1].

How do you start the conversation about safeguarding with a patient?

You can start by asking open and non-judgmental questions like, "What is your understanding of making safeguarding personal for the patients?" or "What's important to you right now?" This helps gauge their perspective and wishes from the outset [1].

Does making safeguarding personal mean I can't intervene if a patient is at risk?

No. MSP requires a balance between respecting a person's autonomy and upholding a duty of care. It means working with the individual to manage risks rather than imposing decisions, and only overriding choices in specific legal or high-risk circumstances [1].

How do I involve a patient who has dementia or limited capacity in the safeguarding process?

For patients with limited capacity, the Mental Capacity Act principles apply. This involves making a best interests decision while still considering the person's past and present wishes, feelings, beliefs, and values. An independent advocate may also be appointed [1].

What if a patient's desired outcome seems unrealistic or risky?

It is important to have an honest discussion about the options, risks, and potential consequences. While the goal is to honor their wishes, the process also involves explaining why certain outcomes may be unachievable and working together to find the safest, most realistic path forward [1].

Is making safeguarding personal a one-time process?

No, it is an ongoing and iterative process. The patient's outcomes should be regularly reviewed, and the care plan adapted as their priorities or circumstances evolve. It is a continuous dialogue, not a static event [1].

Who is responsible for ensuring safeguarding is personal?

While adult social care and healthcare providers have a primary role, ensuring safeguarding is personal is the responsibility of all professionals, family members, and community members involved in a patient's care. It requires a collaborative effort to put the patient at the center [1].