GDC ‘committed’ to promoting duty of candour
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- Published: Sunday, 29 November -0001 23:58
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The General Dental Council (GDC) says it has ‘committed’ to promoting 'the duty of candour' to its registrants, students and dental patients. The GDC's Chief Executive and Registrar, Evlynne Gilvarry, said: “Openness and honesty is vital to ensuring a successful relationship between dental professionals and their patients. GDC guidance already very clearly sets out what's expected of dental professionals, but we will be working to strengthen this through new guidance.”
The GDC ‘welcomes’ the recently published report by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) on progress made by the GDC and other regulators in developing a consistent approach to candour. Along with the other healthcare regulators, the GDC A joint statement released by the regulators emphasises the importance of candour for all professionals working with patients.
It states that:
"Every healthcare professional must be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong with their treatment or care which causes, or has the potential to cause, harm or distress."
In addition:
"Healthcare professionals must also be open and honest with their colleagues, employers and relevant organisations, and take part in reviews and investigations when requested."
The full statement can be read on the GDC website.
The PSA's report welcomes the statement and the GDC's plans for the future in promoting the professional duty of candour, including additional guidance for registrants. The report can be read on the PSA's website.
The GDC's own ethical guidance, 'Standards for the Dental Team', makes very clear the responsibility registrants have when working and communicating with patients.
Principle Two:
Communicate effectively with patients.
Principle Five:
Have a clear and effective complaints procedure.
Principle Six:
Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests.
The GDC will be issuing its own supplementary guidance on "the duty of candour".
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