Complaints and How to Survive Them E2: What to Do When You Make a Mistake with Drs Clare Devlin and Dr John Powell

Do you live in fear that you’ll make a mistake at work? When it does happen, do you find it hard to cope and move forwards?

Doctors and other professionals are also human — making mistakes is normal. Knowing this, however, doesn’t take away the stress that comes with going through a complaint or investigation. Since we know that we’re bound to make a mistake at work, what matters is how we respond to them. To maintain our well-being throughout our career, it’s crucial to know how to handle mistakes.

In this episode, Drs Clare Devlin and John Powell join us to discuss the proper way of responding to professional mistakes. We talk about why doctors have a hard time whenever they make a mistake at work. Clare and John also share valuable advice on minimising negative consequences and getting a good outcome for you and your patient.

If you want to learn a roadmap for what you should do you make a mistake at work, then tune in to this episode.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

Learn why many doctors don’t know how to respond when they make a mistake at work.Find out how to combat defensiveness and effectively communicate with a patient after a complaint.Clare and John share their top tips on what to do when you make a mistake at work. 

Episode Highlights

[06:55] What Happens When Doctors Make a Mistake at Work

[11:03] The Dos and Don’ts 

[16:36] How to Communicate with Your Patient

[24:10] About Defensiveness

[30:59] Getting Good Outcomes

[36:59] The Lack of Education About Handling Mistakes

[41:05] The Best Time to Seek Support

[49:43] Top Tips on What to Do When You Make a Mistake at Work

Resources

Sign up for our Permission to Thrive CPD membership!You Are Not A Frog Episode 78 - Complaints and How to Survive Them Series 1: Preparing to Fail Well with Drs Sarah Coope, Annalene Weston and Sheila BloomerGet legal, mental, and emotional support if you’re a member of Medical Protection or Dental Protection.   Visit General Medical Council UK’s website for guidance and other medical resources. Reach out to Clare through Medical ProtectionConnect with John: LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

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