Strengthening Disclosure in NHS Maternity Care [DISCERN] V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Strengthening the Implementation and Operationalisation of ‘Open Disclosure’ with Women and Families After Unexpected Harm in NHS Maternity Care
IRAS ID
262197
Contact name
Reza Razavi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
20/CAG/0121, CAG (Precedent Set Category 10)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
BACKGROUND: Open Disclosure is the discussion between health providers and the patient or family about incidents that result in harm to that patient during health care. This includes recognition of what has happened, keeping the patient and family informed, listening to their experience and seeking to alleviate the harm. It can reduce distress for those involved and contribute to learning for future improvements in care. Open disclosure is difficult. There is much variation in how open disclosure is practiced across the NHS. We need to know more about what patients, families and NHS staff find the most helpful. This is particularly so in NHS maternity care where harm can be devastating and fears of litigation widespread. There is urgent need to understand how, when and why some maternity teams are managing to improve the open disclosure process and to what effect.
AIMS: We want to find the key factors to support improvements in Open Disclosure within maternity care and examine the effects that Open Disclosure has for women and families, clinical teams, and services. We want to work with these interest groups to produce guidance on Open Disclosure practices and processes for women, families and NHS staff.
STUDY PLAN: First, develop a framework of the key factors that support Open Disclosure improvements from international literature and discussion with experts. Second, refine this framework by an in-depth study in 3 NHS Trust maternity services (include staff interviews, observations of Open Disclosure work routines and effects, and analysis of paperwork). Third, to discuss and develop our findings with service-user and senior service and professional representatives to agree the framework for co-designed study outputs.
STUDY OUTPUTS: will include recommendations for managers and policy-makers and filmed and written guidance for women and families and staff teams on Open Disclosure processes and practices.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/1152
Date of REC Opinion
26 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion