Information about a concern may come from a variety of sources including:
a review of patient notes
concern expressed by a colleague
complaints about care from patients or relatives
investigation into a serious incident
a review of performance against agreed objectives or competencies
annual appraisal
clinical audit projects
information from the PCO
litigation following allegations of negligence
the practitioner themself.
Ensure that information you receive is supported by evidence or written down. You should inform the practitioner as soon as the concern has been raised and consider the risk to patient safety. A discussion to agree a way forward may be all that is needed to improve performance or conduct, confirming with the practitioner in writing whatever is agreed and keeping notes of all discussions and meetings. If this informal approach is not successful a more formal approach may be required.
