Communicating harmful incidents and patient deaths is one of the most difficult tasks in healthcare. This one-day Breaking Bad News and Duty of Candour training gives healthcare professionals the skills, tools and confidence to speak with patients and families in a clear, compassionate and legally sound way. You will learn how to prepare for these conversations, how to structure the call, how to manage emotions, and how to follow up in writing — all within current NHS policy and the Duty of Candour framework.
What you will learn on our Breaking Bad News & Duty of Candour Training
- Communicate clearly and professionally in stressful or emotionally charged clinical situations
- Understand the role of families and carers in decision-making and how to involve them appropriately
- Use a simple, repeatable structure for breaking bad news — who should call, when to call, what to say and how to say it
- Recognise and manage emotional factors with confidence
- Apply Being Open principles, PSIRF expectations, Duty of Candour requirements, confidentiality rules and safe information-sharing
- Understand the legal status of apologies and why an apology is not an admission of liability
- Manage distress, silence and difficult reactions with sensitivity
- Address perceived barriers and reduce fear around these conversations
- Document conversations accurately and transparently
- Write a clear, compassionate follow-up letter
- Close the communication loop to support ongoing trust and understanding
Course format & logistics
- Duration: One full day (virtual or in-person)
- Format: Interactive workshop with practical exercises
- CPD-accredited and tailored for NHS and care settings
- Includes: Templates, structures and take-home tools
- Public course format and fee: virtual £200 + vat per person
- In-house course format and fee: virtual £2500 + vat and in-person £3500 + vat
Why this course is different
This Breaking Bad News and Duty of Candour training is delivered by an expert in medico-legal practice and mediation. The emphasis is on practical skills — not theory alone. By the end of the day, delegates will feel more confident, better prepared and fully equipped to communicate openly and compassionately after harm or patient death.
Testimonial
“This training has been so helpful when considering how I will approach breaking bad news to people. It has been a relief to hear it’s ok to say ‘I don’t know’ and apologise without going to a position of assuming blame.”
Operational Team Leader
Useful links
NHS Scotland Breaking Bad News by Phone
quick links
