Sorry is hardest word – but vital

Being open and saying sorry are the best policies when things go wrong. And it can cut the risk of a complaint or litigation, says Dr Gordon McDavid.

Doctors may hesitate before speaking up when things go wrong. This is despite their defence body having advocated a culture of openness in healthcare and advised them to be honest and apologise when an adverse incident occurs.

There are many possible reasons for this, but it does seem that concern around the potential consequences may act as a barrier to openness following an error.