An updated guide has been published by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) which describes steps junior doctors should follow in the event of a medical safety incident.
Medical Error: what to do if things go wrong describes the importance of effective communication, documentation, reporting and complaint handling by junior doctors following a medical error and includes case studies based on previous real life situations. It also highlights:
• The common sources of errors for junior doctors, such as handover and documentation.
• The importance of being open when mistakes happen and how to deal with complaints.
• Advice and experience from key stakeholders such as senior doctors, Medical Defence Union and Medical Protection Society.
NPSA’s medical director, Dr Kevin Cleary, said: “This updated guide reflects the increased levels of transparency within the NHS and develops the role junior doctors can play to increase safety for patients. They may be in the best position to see how changes can make a real difference to the safety of patients.” A copy of the guide is available at: www.nrls.npsa.nhs.uk/juniordoctors
