How does the duty of candour apply in health and social care?

• A. Professionals must hide mistakes to avoid distress
• B. Professionals should inform patients only if asked
• C. Professionals must always overstate what happened
• D. Professionals must be open and honest with service users when incidents cause harm, provide a truthful explanation, apologise where appropriate, and take steps to prevent recurrence

Answer: (D)

Open and honest communication with service users when incidents cause harm is the duty of candour. This means telling the truth about what happened, the likely consequences, and what is being done to manage the situation. It also involves offering an apology where appropriate and taking concrete steps to prevent recurrence and improve safety. This approach supports trust, accountability, and learning within the service.

Hiding mistakes to avoid distress undermines trust and safety; waiting to inform only when asked is too passive; and overstating what happened is misleading. The emphasis on truth-telling, apology where appropriate, and preventive action makes this option the best fit.