Being open when things go wrong

View the scenario by watching the video. Midway through you will have the option to pause and discuss what Marcus should do in the scenario.

Video case study

Our guidance

For context, our guidance on conduct and ethics for students says:

8. Be open when things go wrong

"– You should tell an appropriate member of staff at your education provider or practice placement provider if something has gone wrong in any care, treatment or other services you have carried out involving a service user. 

– You should co-operate with members of staff at your education provider and practice placement provider if something has gone wrong in any care, treatment or other services you have carried out involving a service user. You should learn from this experience. 

– You should tell an appropriate member of staff at your education provider or practice placement provider if a service user or carer wants to raise concerns about any care, treatment or other services they have received.

– You should co-operate with members of staff at your education provider and practice placement provider to apologise to a service user or carer when something has gone wrong with the care, treatment or other services that you have carried out."

We believe that students also need to be open and honest if something has gone wrong in any care, treatment or other services they have provided.

This would involve them discussing this issue with their education provider or practice placement provider; cooperating with any investigation; telling their supervisor if a service user wishes to raise a concern; and importantly, learning from any mistakes.