Patient Research into the Duty of Candour
05.12.23
Chiropractors are specifically required under The Code (B7) to fulfil the Duty of Candour as part of the professional relationship between chiropractor and patient. This relationship depends on trust, and the Duty of Candour is key to that relationship. In any healthcare profession, there are situations in which unexpected or unforeseen consequences of care can occur. The Duty of Candour sets out expectations of a registrant when these situations occur.
In chiropractic, serious adverse events are rare; candour events are more likely to centre around uncertainty. For example, delayed diagnosis, whether an adverse symptom was caused by treatment or non-clinical issues, such as breach of confidentiality.
Following the publication of new GCC Guidance on the Duty of Candour in September 2023, the GCC, working with the GOsC, recently undertook research to explore candour as understood by patients.
This research with a patient panel aims to better understand a patient’s expectations in these circumstances and how patients can be supported to be partners in their care before, during and after, if things go wrong.
Download the patient research findings
Key findings of the research include:
Patients have low recognition and understanding of the term ‘Duty of Candour’.
The term ‘Duty of Candour’ means very little to patients but, when explained, patients considered Duty of Candour to be an implicit part of being a professional practitioner and therefore doesn’t require explanation. Patients prefer words such as honesty, openness and transparency.
Patients understand the challenges facing chiropractors in relation to compliance with the Duty of Candour.
Patients recognise that mistakes may happen and appreciate the challenges facing practitioners. There is an understanding that patients must also take some responsibility for their care. If something does go wrong with a patient’s care, then ongoing dialogue between patient and practitioner is critical and can help to build trust.
Patients recognise that apologies are difficult and ‘getting it right’ requires careful reflection as well as using the right language and tone.
Patients believe a good apology should involve dialogue with the patient and provide a clear description of what went wrong, together with an action plan. The language used should be jargon-free and centred around the patient.
Patients have low recognition and understanding of the term ‘Duty of Candour’.
The term ‘Duty of Candour’ means very little to patients but, when explained, patients considered Duty of Candour to be an implicit part of being a professional practitioner and therefore doesn’t require explanation. Patients prefer words such as honesty, openness and transparency.
Patients understand the challenges facing chiropractors in relation to compliance with the Duty of Candour.
Patients recognise that mistakes may happen and appreciate the challenges facing practitioners. There is an understanding that patients must also take some responsibility for their care. If something does go wrong with a patient’s care, then ongoing dialogue between patient and practitioner is critical and can help to build trust.
Patients recognise that apologies are difficult and ‘getting it right’ requires careful reflection as well as using the right language and tone.
Patients believe a good apology should involve dialogue with the patient and provide a clear description of what went wrong, together with an action plan. The language used should be jargon-free and centred around the patient.