Duty of Candour for Healthcare Professionals

The Duty of Candour for Healthcare Professionals (Australia) course focuses on the ethical and professional responsibility to be open, honest, and transparent when things go wrong in healthcare. It explains what the Duty of Candour means in everyday clinical practice, why openness and apology matter to patients and families, and how candour underpins trust, patient safety, and professional integrity. The course is aligned with Australian expectations, including Ahpra and National Board codes, and the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards on open disclosure.

This course is suitable for all healthcare professionals in Australia, including doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, allied health practitioners, and others working in clinical or leadership roles. It is particularly relevant for practitioners who have been involved in adverse events, near misses, complaints, or investigations, or who want to improve their confidence in difficult conversations. The course takes a practical, compassionate approach to communicating with patients and families after incidents, managing uncertainty, offering meaningful apologies, and maintaining cultural safety and professionalism.

By completing this course, participants will gain the knowledge and communication skills needed to apply candour confidently and appropriately in real clinical settings. Learners will understand how to document disclosure conversations clearly, demonstrate insight and accountability, and engage constructively with organisational reviews or regulatory processes. The course supports reflective practice, remediation, and safer future care, helping practitioners meet professional expectations while rebuilding and maintaining trust with patients, colleagues, and the wider community.