Commenting, Dr Rob Hendry, Medical Director at the Medical Protection Society (MPS) said:

“All healthcare professionals have a professional duty to promote an open, learning culture and we continue to share our expertise on tackling barriers to open disclosure. Open communication can improve the dynamics in a multi-disciplinary team, build trust between patients and healthcare professionals and create an environment where mistakes are learnt from.

 “We have long advised our members that a meaningful apology is not an admission of liability; rather, it is an acknowledgment that something has gone wrong and a way of expressing empathy. We recognise however, that this can be challenging for healthcare professionals as they remain fearful of blame or personal recrimination.

 “MPS has always been of the view that while you can mandate open disclosure through legislation, it may not result in real behavioural change, and may even result in a ‘tick-box’ process when something goes wrong. This could mean that patients do not get the sincere apology and explanation they deserve.

“A cultural shift is needed. Clinicians need to feel confident to admit errors, apologise and learn from mistakes. They also need to feel supported at an organisational level, by leaders equally committed to the principles of open disclosure.”

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