The following key attributes should be observed (mindful of the risk significance addressed in the previous question):
- clearly identify the process being assessed and what it is attempting to achieve, ie what the harm/risk is and what the impact could be on the patient
- be based on systematic identification of possible risk factors
- take full account of current scientific knowledge
- be conducted by people with experience in the risk assessment process and the process being risk assessed
- use factual evidence supported by expert assessment to reach conclusions
- do not include any unjustified assumptions
- identify all reasonably expected risks – simply and clearly along with a factual assessment and mitigation where required
- be documented to an appropriate level and controlled/approved
- ultimately be linked to the protection of the patient