Raising a prescribing error with a senior

This station tests whether you will put patient safety above hierarchy and raise a concern professionally. The examiner wants the error corrected promptly, raised factually and respectfully.

How to structure it

• Raise it promptly and factually, focusing on the prescription rather than the person.
• Confirm whether the dose has been given and ensure it is corrected.
• Check that no harm has occurred and act if it has.
• Suggest an incident report so the team can learn.
• Escalate further if the concern is not addressed.

Common pitfalls

• Staying silent out of deference to a senior.
• Being accusatory rather than focusing on safety.
• Forgetting to ensure the error is actually corrected.

Examiners reward a respectful but firm approach that prioritises patient safety and supports learning.