Once a complaint has been received, in writing or orally,
acknowledge in writing that you have received it. Follow this
up with a phone call if it is not something that can be resolved
simply. Let the patient know that you are looking into it and
will be reporting to them by a specific date. Make absolutely
certain you do contact them on that day – even if it is only to
say that you don’t yet have an answer.
• Gather the facts: review the medical notes, copies of reports,
records of phone calls, discussions with relevant staff, check
local protocols and check what happened on that day.
• Consider whether you need specific advice from Avant about
the circumstances and/or plan of management.
• Where appropriate suggest a meeting to discuss the patient’s
concerns. Encourage the patient to bring a friend or partner
to accompany them if they wish. Suggest an interpreter if
language is a barrier. Allow plenty of time. Find a quiet, private
room for the conversation.
• Provide information. Most people who complain wish to
obtain information about what happened and what it means
for them. Provide them with this information.
• Consider the factors that led to the complaint – are there
changes that can be made to prevent a recurrence? If so, tell
the patient as they will wish to see that you take the complaint
seriously and that it will make a difference.
• Keep parties informed. If there will be delays while you seek
out facts or will not be available, say so, as uncertainty or ‘no
response’ only adds to the grievance.
• Patients’ annoyance only increases if there is a perceived lack
of or breakdown in communications.