Negligence by Omission: Professional Curiosity in Mental Health Care

In this webinar, expert witness Alex Penfold, Registered Mental Health Nurse of Somek Associates, discussed professional curiosity in mental health care, and how this issue is relevant to areas such as negligence by omission as well as the Inquest process.

In particular, Alex's presentation covered:

• The definition of professional curiosity - expanding with more detail and defining the difference between active enquiry vs passive observation in mental health

• Common examples of omission in mental health care - for example: the role of professional curiosity in suicide and self-harm risk assessments, admission and discharge decisions, observation levels, care planning, family involvement and so on

• Documentation analysis - how to identify evidence of curiosity in health and care records and distinguishing poor practice from negligent practice - using case scenarios

• Practical points for instructing solicitors – covering suggestions on records and evidence to obtain including information relevant for inquests and liability cases