Implementing the statutory duty of candour in healthcare: an early evaluation

Having previously argued in favour of creating this legal duty which was introduced in November 2014, this project will explore its implementation. It will aim to gain insights into how hospitals interpret the key elements of the duty, how information is communicated to harmed patients, what professionals feel about it, and whether it is helping to create a more open culture within healthcare. To date, there has been no qualitative research exploring how hospitals are complying with the duty of candour, with some concerns raised about an inconsistent and superficial approach to its enforcement.