Understanding Duty of Candour in Healthcare

No matter which sector you work in, mistakes are inevitable. It is part of human nature. However, in the healthcare sector, where we are dealing with people's lives, mistakes must be reported efficiently, accurately, and honestly.

Why Duty of Candour is Crucial

Imagine if a close family member or loved one were receiving healthcare, and a mistake was made. You would naturally want to know what happened to them, what implications arose from the mistake, and how the situation was handled. Being informed helps to put both the patient and their loved ones at ease.

Although it may be uncomfortable, having an open conversation about a mistake is the right thing to do for both you and the patient. Conducting a professional duty of candour not only benefits the patient but also protects you from potential litigation. For example, if you administered the wrong dose of medication and the patient had an adverse reaction, failing to report the mistake could put both the patient and yourself in danger. However, reporting the incident to the appropriate person and ensuring everything possible is done for the patient improves their prognosis and your security.

The Role of Duty of Candour in Teamwork

In the healthcare setting, many professionals work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Upholding a reasonable duty of candour is a team effort and must be coordinated effectively. Duty of candour must be maintained throughout the entire course of care, starting from before treatment is given.

Ensuring that the patient understands the treatments they will undergo also falls under the duty of candour. Withholding information from a patient is not in their best interest unless requested by the patient. They must be made aware of potential risks and the likelihood of these risks occurring.

Duty of Candour and Near Misses

Duty of candour also includes near-misses, which are incidents that could have resulted in a negative outcome had circumstances been slightly different. In some cases, investigations may be conducted to determine the causes and consequences of an incident, whether it was a near miss or an actual mistake. It is crucial to be as helpful as possible during these investigations, providing all relevant information and avoiding falsifying facts.

In Summary

Duty of candour is a standard that all healthcare professionals should adopt. It involves being open, honest, and empathetic with patients throughout their treatment. This includes when the treatment is first proposed, throughout the course of care, and especially if any mistakes occur. The ultimate goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and the best possible outcomes for patients.