https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/what-is-duty-of-candour https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5528.mp4 What is Duty of Candour? 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. https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9851/What_Is_Duty_Of_Candour-01.jpg Yes 188 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/why-is-duty-of-candour-important https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5529.mp4 Why is Duty of Candour Important? Understanding the Importance of Duty of Candour in Healthcare We’ve briefly discussed the significance of Duty of Candour, but now we’ll take a deeper look at why it’s so essential in the healthcare setting. There are several critical reasons why Duty of Candour plays such an important role in patient care. 1. Transparency and Informed Consent In healthcare, you're dealing with other people's bodies and well-being. If something negative happens to a patient, it’s vital that they are informed about the situation and understand how it has affected them, along with what has been done to remedy the issue. If the mistake leads to long-term implications and requires changes to their current care plan, it’s necessary to obtain their informed consent. To do this, patients must be given comprehensive details about the new care plan, including any potential risks and the reasons for the changes. 2. Minimising Negative Impact on the Patient Another crucial aspect of Duty of Candour is ensuring that the mistake has as little negative impact on the patient as possible. The person responsible for the error must inform the appropriate senior team member (doctor, nurse, or team leader) so that they can take steps to prevent the patient’s condition from worsening and ensure they remain stable. Preventing further harm is a top priority, and Duty of Candour comes after ensuring the patient is in good condition. Avoid spending too much time apologising if there is an urgent need for care—ensure you address the medical needs first and speak with the patient at the most appropriate time. 3. Protecting Against Litigation While this might feel like a selfish reason, it is still an important consideration. Duty of Candour can help protect you from litigation resulting from the mistake. It’s important to remember that for litigation to occur, something must have gone seriously wrong, but unfortunately, this can sometimes happen. The best way to avoid legal issues is to minimise mistakes, but we are all human, and errors can still occur. By being polite and considerate, and doing everything possible to ensure the patient is not negatively affected, they are less likely to pursue legal action. This protects both you and your organisation. 4. Fostering a Safer Work Environment As healthcare professionals, we often work as part of a team. When you report mistakes and near-misses, it encourages a culture of openness, where others in the team are also likely to report their own errors. This fosters a safer working environment for everyone and enhances communication within the organisation. Reporting incidents allows the organisation to identify what can be done to make the environment safer, and to implement strategies that prevent similar mistakes from happening in the future. 5. Building Trust and Rapport with Patients Being open and honest with patients throughout their care is vital. It helps to establish rapport and builds trust. Not only does this make patients feel more comfortable, but it also increases their likelihood of continuing treatment and accepting any necessary changes to their care plan. A transparent approach fosters a positive relationship between patients and healthcare providers, making it easier for patients to feel confident in their care. In Conclusion Duty of Candour is not just a legal requirement—it’s a fundamental part of patient care that ensures transparency, safety, and trust. By maintaining openness, addressing mistakes swiftly, and providing informed consent, healthcare professionals can safeguard their patients, themselves, and their organisations, creating a safer and more effective healthcare environment. https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9849/Why_is_Duty_of_Candour_Important-01.jpg Yes 188 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/when-things-go-wrong2 https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5530.mp4 When Things Go Wrong How to Handle Mistakes in Healthcare: A Guide for Professionals This video will guide you through the essential steps to take if you make a mistake in a healthcare setting. While the advice provided here is general, it's important to always follow your organisation's specific policies and procedures for reporting and handling mistakes. 1. Stay Calm and Collected The first, and possibly the most important, thing to do when you realise you’ve made a mistake is to stay calm. Remaining composed allows you to think rationally and take the correct actions. Avoid overreacting, as this can cause unnecessary panic or fear in the patient. For example, don’t run around the facility in distress, but calmly assess the situation and act accordingly to help the patient. 2. Assess the Severity of the Situation Once you’ve calmed yourself, it’s crucial to assess the situation carefully. Determine how serious the mistake is and if it’s putting the patient at risk. If you believe the patient is in immediate danger or you're uncertain about their condition, it’s important to seek assistance from a more senior team member immediately. This could be a senior nurse, doctor, or team leader. 3. Take Action and Seek Help If you are the first to respond and first aid is necessary, you should act promptly to prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition. However, in some cases, it may be necessary for you to safely leave the patient and find a more experienced healthcare professional to handle the situation. Make sure that someone more senior is made aware of the incident if this hasn’t already been done. 4. Handle the Emotional Impact Making mistakes can be difficult not only for the patient and their loved ones but also for the person who made the error. It’s important to recognise that everyone makes mistakes at some point. Allow yourself to feel bad about it for a short while, but then move on and learn from the situation. Dwelling on the mistake won't help, but learning from it and making improvements will. 5. Learn from the Experience Once you’ve processed the mistake, use your new knowledge to avoid similar errors in the future. Share what you’ve learned with others in your workplace. Show your colleagues that mistakes happen and that it's not the mistake itself, but how we learn and grow from it, that matters. By setting a positive example, you can help others learn from your experience and reduce the chances of the same mistake happening again. Conclusion In healthcare, mistakes are part of being human. However, it’s how we respond to them that counts. By staying calm, ensuring patient safety, seeking assistance, learning from the incident, and sharing that knowledge with others, we can improve both our own practice and that of our colleagues, while providing the best care possible to our patients. https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9847/When_Things_Go_Wrong-01.jpg Yes 147 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/telling-the-patient-or-carer https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5532.mp4 Telling the Patient or Carer Communicating with Patients After a Mistake When dealing with a patient after a mistake has been made, there are a number of important factors to consider. First and foremost, the priority is to ensure that the patient is no longer in any life-threatening danger. Once their safety is ensured, you must inform the patient as soon as reasonably possible. However, before you do so, it’s essential to make sure that you’ve taken the following factors into account: 1. Choosing the Right Setting When speaking with the patient, select a setting that will make them feel comfortable. Avoid busy, public spaces where the conversation could be overheard. A quiet, private area is crucial to ensure the patient feels at ease during this difficult conversation. 2. Offering Support Think about the level of support the patient may need during the conversation. It is beneficial to have a close family member, friend, or someone else they trust present. Their presence can help provide emotional support during what could be an emotional and stressful time. 3. Honesty and Compassion When explaining the situation to the patient, share as much of the truth as possible. Avoid over-embellishing the details or making excuses for the mistake. The patient is likely to want to know what happened, why it occurred, and what impact it may have on their health. 4. Acting Empathetically Empathy is crucial. While it is important to always act empathetically with patients, this is especially necessary in situations where mistakes have been made. Your empathetic approach will make the patient feel heard, respected, and more likely to accept any changes in their care that may be necessary. 5. Making an Apology Apologising sincerely shows the patient that the mistake was an accident, not negligence. An apology doesn’t mean you are admitting legal liability but demonstrates that you are acting with professionalism and care. An apology can also help protect you if there is any subsequent fitness-to-practice inquiry. Key Elements of an Apology Explain what happened: Provide as much detail as the patient wants, including what happened after the incident and any immediate care given. Discuss what will change: Outline how the patient’s care will be adjusted due to the mistake. Preventing future mistakes: Reassure the patient that measures will be taken to prevent a similar situation in the future. 6. No Personal Responsibility for Others' Mistakes During this conversation, you should not take personal responsibility for situations that were beyond your control or for mistakes made by others. However, if appropriate, having a higher-ranking member of the team (e.g., team lead or management) offer additional apologies may help the patient understand that the issue has been addressed at the organisational level. 7. Respecting the Patient’s Wishes The patient may choose not to know certain details about the incident. If this happens, their wishes must be respected. It is vital to document this decision and, if necessary, have a witness present to confirm the patient's wishes. If the patient does not want to hear certain details initially, they retain the right to ask about them at a later time. 8. Closing the Conversation When wrapping up the conversation, always ask the patient if they have any further questions. Respond to these questions honestly and clarify any confusion about the incident or its consequences. Be sure to offer to inform others on their behalf and assure them that their needs will continue to be met. 9. Demonstrating Compassion Throughout Throughout this conversation, your compassion and sincerity will play a key role in helping the patient cope with the situation. By providing honest information, being empathetic, and offering support, you will foster trust and ensure the patient feels respected and cared for, despite the challenging circumstances. https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9855/Telling_the_Patient_or_Carer-01.jpg Yes 310 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/working-as-part-of-a-team https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5533.mp4 Working as Part of a Team Teamwork and Reporting in Healthcare: Preventing Mistakes and Improving Care This course covers the importance of teamwork in preventing mistakes in the healthcare setting. While each organisation has its own specific policies and procedures, one constant across all healthcare environments is the significance of effective communication and collaboration within the team. 1. The Role of Reporting in Healthcare In healthcare, it is crucial to report any mistakes or near misses. If these incidents go unreported, there is a risk that they will happen again, potentially leading to repeated mistakes that can harm those receiving care. However, by reporting these incidents, the team can work together to address the issues, reduce the risk of future mistakes, and improve patient safety. 2. How Reporting Leads to Improvements When every team member reports mistakes or near misses, the organisation can identify trends and take appropriate action to prevent recurrence. This continuous improvement not only makes it easier for staff to avoid errors but also provides patients with a safer and more secure environment. As patients witness ongoing improvements, they will feel more comfortable and likely have a more positive experience with their care. 3. The Importance of Reporting Systems If you join a new organisation and discover that there is no clear way to report mistakes or near misses, this should be immediately raised to management. A reporting system is essential not only for the safety of patients but also for protecting staff against potential litigation. A robust reporting system helps ensure that every incident is addressed properly and that patient care is always prioritised. 4. Preventing Cover-Ups It is essential that no one hinders others from reporting incidents or concerns regarding patient and staff safety. Covering up mistakes or incidents only puts the patient and staff members at risk. Honest reporting is a fundamental part of ensuring the best possible care is provided, as well as improving the overall safety of the healthcare environment. 5. The Ultimate Goal: Quality Patient Care Ultimately, every healthcare professional is there to ensure the best possible care for the patient. By fostering an environment where reporting is encouraged and acted upon, organisations can create a culture of safety and continuous improvement. This helps both patients and staff feel more confident in the care being provided and reduces the likelihood of preventable incidents. https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9857/Working_as_Part_of_a_Team-01.jpg Yes 95 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/duty-of-candour---in-conclusion https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5534.mp4 Duty of Candour - In Conclusion Duty of Candour in Healthcare: Managing Mistakes and Communicating Effectively Throughout this course, we have explored the concept of duty of candour, discussed what should be done if mistakes are made, and examined how to properly communicate with patients about incidents. As emphasised throughout, it is essential to adhere to your organisation's policies and procedures when handling such situations. If you move to a new workplace, always take the time to familiarise yourself with their specific rules and guidelines. Even within the same organisation, different branches may have varying procedures. 1. The Importance of Duty of Candour Duty of candour requires healthcare professionals to be open, honest, and transparent when mistakes occur. It is crucial that any incidents are reported appropriately and that patients are informed, as they have the right to know what has happened with their care. By practising duty of candour, healthcare professionals help build trust and ensure that necessary actions are taken to prevent recurrence. 2. Coping with Mistakes and Learning from Them Everyone is human, and mistakes can happen, no matter how careful we are. It is important to acknowledge the mistake, understand the impact, and take responsibility. Feeling bad or disappointed is natural, but it is equally important to move past these emotions and learn from the experience. Continuous improvement helps you grow as a healthcare professional and reduces the likelihood of making the same mistake again. 3. Checking Your Organisation’s Procedures When working in any healthcare setting, be sure to review your organisation’s specific policies on reporting and addressing mistakes. These guidelines will ensure that you handle incidents correctly and efficiently. If you are working in a new environment or branch, take time to understand how they manage such situations. Adhering to these guidelines will not only help improve patient safety but also protect you professionally. 4. Becoming a Better Healthcare Professional As you gain experience, always reflect on your practice, including mistakes. Use those lessons to continually improve and ensure better care for your patients. By maintaining a strong commitment to duty of candour and professional growth, you contribute to a culture of safety and openness in healthcare, ultimately benefiting both your patients and your career. https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9859/Duty_of_Candour_-_In_Conclusion-01.jpg Yes 50 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/course-summary- https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/4803.mp4 Course Summary Completing Your Course and Taking the Test with ProTrainings Congratulations on completing your course! Before taking the test, review the student resources section and refresh your skills. Student Resources Section Free student manual: Download your manual and other resources. Additional links: Find helpful websites to support your training. Eight-month access: Revisit the course and view any new videos added. Preparing for the Course Test Before starting the test, you can: Review the videos Read through documents and links in the student resources section Course Test Guidelines No time limit: Take the test at your own pace, but complete it in one sitting. Question format: Choose from four answers or true/false questions. Adaptive testing: Unique questions for each student, with required section passes. Retake option: Review materials and retake the test if needed. After Passing the Test Once you pass the test, you can: Print your completion certificate Print your Certified CPD statement Print the evidence-based learning statement Additional ProTrainings Courses ProTrainings offers: Over 350 courses at regional training centres or your workplace Remote virtual courses with live instructors Over 300 video online and blended courses Contact us at 01206 805359 or email support@protrainings.uk for assistance or group training solutions. Thank you for choosing ProTrainings and good luck with your test! https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/8553/Course_Summary-01.jpg Yes 127 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/telling-those-close-to-the-patient https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5531.mp4 Telling those Close to the Patient Communicating with Loved Ones: Handling Sensitive Information with Compassion There are two main situations in which you may need to communicate with a patient's loved ones: when the patient has requested it or when the patient has died or is very unlikely to regain consciousness or mental capacity. In these circumstances, it is important to apply the same skills you would use when explaining the situation to the patient, ensuring you are as honest and compassionate as possible. 1. Respecting the Patient's Wishes If the patient has made any specific requests regarding the information shared with their loved ones, these must be respected. This is especially important if the patient has died or lost mental capacity but previously expressed wishes regarding what should or should not be disclosed. While it is essential to provide the necessary details to the family, you must ensure that you do not disclose anything the patient explicitly requested to be kept private. 2. Communicating After the Patient's Passing If the patient has passed away, you must deliver the news to their loved ones in a sensitive and empathetic manner. It is crucial to approach this difficult moment with care and consideration, offering support as needed. In your workplace, there may be designated personnel or a bereavement team to assist with such situations, and it is advisable to contact them for additional support during this time. 3. Offering Continued Support and Clarity When informing family members, ensure they have a clear understanding of the situation. If there are any details that may not have been fully comprehended, take the time to explain them. Additionally, provide information about who they can contact or where they can go for further clarification or support. This will help the family navigate through the situation and find the answers they may need. Conclusion Communicating with a patient's loved ones in times of crisis requires compassion, honesty, and sensitivity. Always prioritise the patient’s wishes, and when the patient is no longer able to communicate, be sure to provide the family with the necessary information in a supportive manner. Additionally, ensure that they have access to any resources or further support that may assist them during this challenging time. https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9853/Telling_those_Close_to_the_Patient-01.jpg Yes 98 https://www.dutyofcandour.co.uk/training/video/course-introduction-duty-of-candor https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/videos/course_videos/en/5225.mp4 Course introduction Welcome to the Duty of Candor Video Course Welcome to this Duty of Candor online course from ProTrainings. Throughout this course, you will watch a series of videos, answer knowledge review questions, and complete a short final test. You can start and stop the course as often as you wish, returning exactly where you left off. You also have the option to watch any of the videos again at any time during or after the course. Flexible Learning Across Devices This course is available on any device. You can start the course on your computer and finish it on your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, you can pin the video to the top of your screen, allowing you to read the text while watching the video for added convenience. Course Materials & Support Each page of the course includes text that supports the video content. Subtitles are available by clicking the CC icon. If you answer any questions incorrectly, additional help is available to guide you through the material. The course provides plenty of resources and links to help with your learning, all of which can be accessed from the course homepage. Completion and Certification Once you’ve completed the course and passed the final test, your completion certificate and other downloadable resources will be available for you to print. The course is accessible for eight months from when you start it, even after completing the test, so you can revisit the material whenever necessary. Company Dashboards and Support If you are responsible for staff training in your workplace, we offer free company dashboards to help manage training across your team. For more information on our company solutions, please feel free to contact us via email, phone, or our online chat facility. Although this course is delivered online, we provide comprehensive support throughout your training journey. Stay Updated As part of your training, you will receive an email every Monday to help keep your skills fresh and inform you of any new videos or updates added to the course. You will also receive news from our blog, and you can choose to opt out of these emails at any time. Thank You for Choosing ProTrainings We hope you enjoy your course and thank you for choosing ProTrainings. Good luck with your training! https://d3imrogdy81qei.cloudfront.net/video_images/9131/course_introduction-01_(1).jpg Yes 126