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| Being Open Policy |
| Written by Clinical Risk Manager | ||||
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There is both an ethical responsibility and a duty of candour requiring health care professionals and managers to inform patients about actions which have resulted in harm . It is also recognised that a culture of openness is a prerequisite to improving patient safety and the quality of health care systems. To support the achievement of a more open culture, the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has produced a policy document to guide health care organisations in communicating with patients and/or their carers about patient safety incidents. The document is based on evidence from research literature, recommendations from major inquiry reports, government initiatives and the experience of other countries. This policy has been adapted from the NPSA document to provide guidance for best practice. In the past there has been inconsistency and uncertainty regarding how to communicate unintended harm caused to patients, sometimes resulting in patients or carers not being aware of what has happened. The Trust is committed to the principle of openness and this policy details the meaning of openness in practice. In addition to presenting guidance for best practice in being open regarding incidents, the process described in this policy is also appropriate in the event of the investigation of PALS concerns, complaints and claims.
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 21 March 2011 10:19 ) |
