We aim to provide a safe space for active listening. We support and encourage all staff invited to actively participate so we include perspectives of all involved in delivering care in the service concerned.
This page explains in detail how an invited review can help your service and the different types of review we offer, and provides a summary of the review process.
You may like to start with our introduction to the RCPCH Invited Reviews Service (IRS) and principles of a review.
When and how can a review help
Requesting an invited review provides an effective way for healthcare organisations to proactively address issues and areas of concern it has identified in its paediatric services, to seek assurances on care provided, and identify scope for quality improvement.
Whilst each service may identify issues and scope for improvement in a range of areas, some themes which have been addressed as part of past invited review include consideration of:
- Existing and proposed models of care
- The safety, quality and effectiveness of services provided
- Team working and communication within teams
- Multi-disciplinary team working within the service and with the wider associated services
- The appropriateness and effectiveness of patient pathways
- Compliance with recognised standards/guidelines and benchmarking with other comparable services
- Clinical audit and outcomes
- Clinical governance processes
- Specific potential safety concerns
- Capacity and capability issues
Types of reviews we offer
The IRS is able to consider requests for service reviews and case note reviews, and, in some circumstances, will consider a combination to help address the terms of reference (TOR) for the review.
The Invited Reviews Programme Board (IRPB) consider requests received for an invited review from the information provided by the healthcare organisation. There are some circumstances when an invited review is considered by the IRPB as not appropriate at the time of the request. In such cases, reasons will be provided, and, where possible, information on other potential sources of support. More details on when such circumstances may arise are detailed in the Handbook for Healthcare Organisations.
- Service review
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Considers the quality and safety of current arrangements for service provision (i.e., pathways, team working, leadership and governance, planning and workforce) and provides recommendations for making and sustaining improvements.
- Case note review
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Analyses an agreed number of documented clinical records to provide an independent expert opinion on the management of these cases. Note: this type of review may be standalone or conducted alongside a service review.
The review process
The IRS is available to healthcare providers, commissioners and service planners across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Reviews can be conducted onsite, remotely via MS Teams videoconferencing or a hybrid of both, following discussion and agreement of what will be most effective at that time.
You can see a diagrammatic overview of the invited review process below or open in full screen:
Composition of the team undertaking the review
- Reviewers undertaking RCPCH invited reviews will have the relevant expertise in the areas to be considered and appropriate experience in expert peer review. They are normally selected from the RCPCH pool of paediatricians and nurses who have demonstrated meeting specific knowledge, skills and experience requirements and have attended relevant training and update sessions.
- The review team will routinely include:
- Two consultant paediatricians (or equivalent, eg Specialty Doctors and Specialists), one of which, as the lead, will have the required experience in undertaking expert, independent review.
- A paediatric/neonatal nurse with the appropriate clinical expertise, experience and training in relation to the issues and areas for review.
- Where a sub-specialty area is under review, required, one of the reviewers (or, if required an additional reviewer) will have specific expertise in this area.
- If specialist expertise is required, which is not available from RCPCH pool of invited reviewers, a (possibly additional) suitable paediatric reviewer will be identified through other sources, including the relevant College Specialty Advisory Committee (CSAC), Specialty Group or British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU). RCPCH may also need to liaise with relevant specialty groups.
- There may be circumstances in which the team includes a reviewer representing another Royal College, should the Terms of Reference (referred hereafter as “TOR”) indicate that this is required.
- A clinical member of the RCPCH Invited Reviews Programme Oversight Group will normally attend the review visit to ensure consistency and oversight of invited review processes and to provide clinical support for the invited review team.
Requests for an invited review
We are able to consider requests submitted on behalf of healthcare organisations by the Medical/Nursing Director or Chief Executive and may include requests submitted jointly with commissioners of the healthcare service for which the review is being requested.
To find out more about the IRS process, you can download from the bottom of this page our Handbook for healthcare organisations.
Submit an invited review request
Further information
For any questions or to request an initial confidential discussion about the IRS, please contact the IRS at invited.reviews@rcpch.ac.uk.
Supporting Well-being
We are committed to promoting and supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals, children, and young people. Below are key resources and initiatives that provide guidance, practical tools, and information:
- RCPCH Your wellbeing: Resources and guidance to support your well-being.
- RCPCH Being me - supporting children and young people: Information and initiatives aimed at supporting the well-being of children and young people.