The Victorian Health Incident Management System Minimum Dataset (VHIMS MDS) is a standardised dataset designed to collect clinical and occupational health and safety (OH&S) incidents, near misses and hazards. These data must be collected in all Victorian public health services and all services under their governance structure including community health and bush nursing centres.
The purpose of the VHIMS MDS is to improve quality, safety, and patient experience in Victorian public health services through access to standardised state-wide reporting, supporting the roles of the Department of Health (DH) and Safer Care Victoria (SCV).
Consultation on VHIMS MDS 2024-25
Consultation on the VHIMS MDS 2024-25 has now concluded. Information about the review process, proposals, and accepted changes is available in the links below.
The Specifications for revision of the VHIMS MDS for 2024−25 have now been released. The specifications outline the accepted changes to the VHIMS MDS.
The VHIMS MDS Manual for 2024-25 will be published in mid 2024 to support implementation from 1 April 2025.
Downloads
Future changes
It is anticipated that the VHIMS MDS will undergo periodic review and changes to ensure the collection continues to support the needs of stakeholders.
It is expected that future reviews will align with well-established change processes utilised for the department’s administrative datasets. Further information see https://www.health.vic.gov.au/data-reporting/annual-changes
VHIMS Data Manual
The VHIMS MDS dataset manual provides a complete data set resource for incident reporters and data users, including.
- definitions of data items.
- information and business rules regarding data recording and transmission
- contact details for support related to the VHIMS MDS
The first VHIMS MDS manual was published in March 2022. From 1 July 2023, the manual will be updated periodically in line with changes in the Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria policy. The VHIMS Health Incident Management System (VHIMS) Minimum Dataset Manual 2023-24 incorporates changes to the MDS effective from 1 July 2023.