If something has gone wrong that causes a patient’s death or such severe harm that the patient is unlikely to regain consciousness or capacity, you must be open and honest with those close to the patient.

Truth was considered valuable because it enables us to see the world as it is without prejudice or bias, and moreover (according to some, most importantly) it enables us to act according to true moral dictums.

Honesty matters to patients. They need it because they are ill, vulnerable, and burdened with pressing questions which require truthful answers. Honesty also matters to the doctor and other medical professionals. The loss of reputation for honesty in medical practice means the end of medicine as a profession.

One important part of nursing is interpreting what the doctors say. Patients trust nurses to be honest about the medications they are administering and that they do so in a safe manner. It is hard to be a patient, and the honesty of a nurse makes them feel more secure.

Apologise to the patient or their representative; Offer an appropriate remedy or support to put matters right, if that’s possible; and. Explain fully the short-term and long-term effects of what has happened.

THE DUTY OF CANDOUR is a statutory (legal) duty to be open and honest with patients (or ‘service users’), or their families, when something goes wrong that appears to have caused or could lead to significant harm in the future.

The statutory duty was introduced in November 2014 for NHS bodies such as trusts and foundation trusts in England. It was extended in April 2015 to cover all other care providers registered with the CQC.

Help & advice

1. How we can help. When we inspect health and social care services, we give them ratings and publish reports about them – information you can use when you’re choosing care.
2. About your care. Help choosing care services.
3. Recent campaigns. Because we all care.

The 6Cs, which underpin the Compassion in Practice strategy, were developed as a way of articulating the values which need to underpin the culture and practise of organisations delivering care and support. These are immediately identifiable as values which underpin quality social care provision too.

Duty of Care is defined simply as a legal obligation to: always act in the best interest of individuals and others. not act or fail to act in a way that results in harm. act within your competence and not take on anything you do not believe you can safely do.