Why is Duty of Candour Important?
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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.