What are the key attributes of a good risk assessment?

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