Your colleague made a patient care error. How do you offer constructive feedback?

2 Privacy Matters

When you're ready to discuss the error, choose a private setting away from patients and other colleagues. Privacy ensures that your colleague feels respected and safe to express their thoughts and emotions about the incident. It also prevents unnecessary embarrassment or defensiveness, which can hinder productive conversation. In this secure environment, you can have an honest and direct conversation about the error and its implications without external pressures.

3 Be Empathetic

Approach the conversation with empathy. Recognize that your colleague likely feels upset about the mistake and may be worried about the consequences. By showing understanding and concern for their feelings, you create a supportive atmosphere that facilitates openness and honesty. Empathy paves the way for a constructive dialogue where you can both focus on learning from the error and developing strategies to avoid future occurrences.

4 Focus on Facts

When discussing the error, focus on the facts and behaviors rather than making it personal. Discuss what happened, why it happened, and how it can be prevented in the future. By concentrating on the situation rather than personal attributes, you avoid assigning blame and instead encourage a problem-solving approach. This objective stance helps your colleague to engage with the feedback positively and to see it as an opportunity for professional growth.

5 Suggest Solutions

After discussing what went wrong, shift the conversation towards finding solutions. Encourage your colleague to suggest ways they can improve their practices to prevent similar errors. Offer your own insights and recommendations as well. This collaborative approach not only helps in finding practical solutions but also empowers your colleague to take ownership of their professional development. It turns a negative situation into a proactive learning opportunity.

6 Follow Up

Finally, follow up after the initial conversation. This could mean checking in to see how your colleague is implementing the agreed-upon solutions or discussing any further support they might need. Continuous engagement shows that you are committed to their improvement and to upholding high standards of patient care. It also reinforces that making an error is not the end of their professional journey but a step towards becoming a more competent and conscientious nurse.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?