Incident Management Framework and Open Disclosure Audit tool

The Incident Management Framework (IMF) and Open Disclosure Audit Tool was first developed in 2019. This tool is to support HSE and HSE-funded services in implementing the HSE Incident Management Framework (2020) and to assess compliance with managing Category 1 and Category 2 incidents. The 2025 version aligns with recently revised HSE Open Disclosure Policy 2025, the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023, and the Department of Health National Open Disclosure Framework 2023.

• IMF and Open Disclosure Audit Tool Guideline 2025 (PDF, 18 Pages, 805.5 KB)
• IMF and Open Disclosure Audit Tool (Excel, 1.8 MB)

Purpose

The revised HSE Open Disclosure Policy 2025 was launched in June 2025. It is now important to see how this has been implemented.

Designed as a self-assessment tool, this may be used for peer-to-peer audits or by external agencies to provide assurance that incident management principles are embedded in practice.

The audit aims to ensure that the six key principles of the IMF are applied in incident management:

1. Person-Centred: Prioritise the needs of service users and staff throughout the review process.
2. Fair and Just: Treat all affected parties fairly and embedding a Just culture.
3. Open and Transparent: Keep all parties informed in line with the Open Disclosure Policy.
4. Responsive: Act timely and proportionately following an incident.
5. Improvement-Focused: View incidents as opportunities to improve.
6. Learning: Promote learning locally and across the wider service.

Intended Users

Services and staff responsible for the implementation of the IMF and Open Disclosure Policy should build this into regular local assurance programmes. Those who should be familiar and promote its use include:

• Senior Accountable Officers
• Local Accountable Officers
• line managers
• audit personnel
• quality and patient safety staff
• Open Disclosure Leads or Open Disclosure Champions and Open Disclosure Trainers

The findings of this audit will support local services and regional and national service oversight. It should be used alongside:

• other local audits
• NIMS compliance checks
• quality assurance reviews

Quality Improvement and Local Audit Plans

• Use audit findings to log areas for improvement and planned actions.
• Services can leverage the HSE Quality Improvement Toolkit to guide improvement projects through all phases, including sustainability.
• Incorporate IMF and Open Disclosure audits into the annual local audit plan for continuous assurance.

Support and Training

A video on how to use the tool has been developed to support you. If you have any questions you can email QPSIM@hse.ie.

IMF and Open Disclosure Audit tool tutorial (video)