Exam Pass Notes

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A Simple 6-Step Memory Aid

• Make the person safe
• Tell the truth early
• Say sorry
• Explain and support
• Record the facts
• Learn and raise concerns

Key Takeaways

• The professional duty of candour requires openness and honesty when care or treatment has gone wrong and has caused, or could cause, harm or distress.
• Candour normally means telling the person, apologising, offering appropriate support or remedy, and explaining what happened and what will happen next.
• Candour applies beyond clear dispensing errors; it can cover clinical services, incorrect advice, delayed care, documentation failures, and distressing service problems.
• An apology matters; it should not be used to hide errors, shift blame, or avoid learning.
• Near misses, complaints, and incidents should prompt system improvements rather than simply being closed.

Practical Pharmacy Points

• Escalate early: if you are unsure whether candour is required, get senior advice promptly.
• Keep within competence: another clinician may need to assess harm or provide urgent follow-up advice.
• Record facts promptly: note what happened, who was informed, what advice was given, and any arranged follow-up.
• Do not rewrite the record: add a dated factual clarification rather than altering the original entry.

Culture and Governance

• Registered professionals have direct duties: the whole pharmacy team still plays a role in openness, escalation, and learning.
• Pharmacy owners need a culture of openness, honesty and learning: GPhC standards for registered pharmacies are relevant.
• Statutory organisational duties differ across the UK: use local legal and contractual routes alongside the professional duty of candour.
• Support speaking up: staff should be able to report incidents, near misses, and unsafe pressure without fear of reprisal.