The Medical Protection Society

33 Cavendish Square

London

W1G 0PS

Tel: 0845 718 7187

Website: www.mps.org.uk

E-mail: member.help@mps.org.uk

Workshop name

Mastering Adverse Outcomes

London

http://www.medicalprotection.org/uk/contactus/maps/london

Target audience

Consultants and Junior Doctors

Relevance to NHS Trust

This workshop enables the organisation to demonstrate a constructive response to the CMO’s report Making Amends, which requires more open disclosure when things have gone wrong, including saying sorry. The workshop equips doctors with the necessary skills. Evidence suggests that open disclosure reduces the risk of complaints and claims, and re-establishes the doctor-patient relationship.

Duration

3-3½ hours

Number of participants

20

Format

Presentation, discussion, video, case studies, reflective exercises and skills practice.

Background

When there has been an adverse outcome, doctors often fear that an expression of regret will be taken as an admission of liability. In fact, it does not compromise the doctor’s position. Rather, showing empathy and handling the situation effectively will reduce the likelihood of litigation.

Indicative content

Exploring the nature of adverse outcomes and what motivates patients to sue or complain.

The legal context and legal implications.

Personal and professional attitudes and barriers to communicating about adverse outcomes.

Managing adverse outcomes strategically using the A.S.S.I.S.T model.

What patients want to know and how to communicate it.

Benefits

• Develop better doctor-patient relationships.
• Reduce the risk of complaints and claims following an adverse outcome.
• Increase public confidence in the healthcare system.
• Address patient concerns and so set the standard for quality patient interactions.