Single Clinical Incidents - Openness and Honesty When Things go Wrong

OPENNESS AND HONESTY WHEN THINGS GO WRONG: THE PROFESSIONAL DUTY OF CANDOUR

In line with all healthcare professional bodies, the GMC is very clear about the professional duty of doctors when an error has been made. The doctor must be open and honest with patients when something that goes wrong with their treatment or care causes, or has the potential to cause, harm or distress. (GMC 2020) https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/candour---openness-and-honesty-when-things-go-wrong/the-professional-duty-of-candour

This means that doctors must:

tell the patient (or, where appropriate, the patient’s advocate, carer, or family) when something has gone wrong, apologise to the patient (or, where appropriate, the patient’s advocate, carer, or family), offer an appropriate remedy or support to put matters right (if possible) explain fully to the patient (or, where appropriate, the patient’s advocate, carer or family) the short- and long-term effects of what has happened.
Doctors must also be open and honest with their colleagues, employers, and relevant organisations, and take part in reviews and investigations when requested.

This openness and honesty are also important for you if you are involved in a SCI and is seen in a positive light if you ever have a complaint made against you. It is all linked to probity – honesty and trustworthiness, which we will look at.

https://www.medicalprotection.org/uk/articles/professionalism-gmc-expectations-on-probity

Hearings and investigatory panels are underpinned by the GMC’s very clear guidance that doctors must be honest and open and act with integrity (Good Medical Practice 2013). Panels will want to explore how you have acted on these principles. If it can be seen that you have demonstrated honesty, openness and integrity, for example you have owned up to making an error, the panel will see you behaving professionally and will consider you in a more positive light.