Everyone makes mistakes but not everyone realizes and admits the mistakes, and this is what the interviewers are looking for in this question.
Common Questions
- Tell us about a mistake that you have made while on duty
- How do you reflect upon a mistake that you made?
Important Points to consider first:
- Show that you know you make mistakes, take responsibility, sort the mistake out, reflect and learn from the mistake, modify beahviour, and ensure others benefits from your experience
- Do not say that you don't make mistakes.
- Admiting that you made a mistake establishes that you are a safe doctor in realistic context
- Use the STAR approach for this question to tell an example for your mistake
STAR Approach
Situation / Task
Describe the situation (keep the clinical information minimal and to the point, the main focus should be the mistake). Explain the mistake and what was the effect on the patient or what would have been the effect on the patient.
Action
Now explain the steps that you took to resolve the problem and make sure the patient was safe. if you invovled other colleagues, mention it here. Also cover your communication with the patient or relatives about the mistake.
Result/Reflect
Explain what you learnt from the mistake and situation. Reflect on it. Did it bring about a change in your behaviour and practice? Did you raise the event to other team members.
Question #1: Tell us about a mistake that you have made while on duty.
Mistakes That You Can Mention
The mistake you mention should be:
- Personal
- Interesting - Dont choose a very common mistake
- Safe (Should not gravely endanger patient safety)
- Good learning output - Most important aspect in this question
Examples:
- Giving wrong antibiotic or dose of antibiotic
- Discharging patient with missing medications
- Forgetting to order necessary investigations
Example Answer
"During my foundation training, I was looking after a patient who had been admitted with a urinary tract infection. After reviewing the patient’s symptoms and test results, I prescribed an antibiotic.
However, later that day, I realized I had selected the wrong antibiotic that wasn’t appropriate for the infection based on the patient’s renal function. The mistake was not immediately caught, and I was concerned about its potential impact on the patient’s recovery.
As soon as I identified the error, I immediately informed my senior colleague and the pharmacist about the mistake. Together, we reviewed the patient's condition and adjusted the treatment to the correct antibiotic. I also informed the patient and their family about the situation, assuring them that the issue had been resolved promptly.
Fortunately, the patient had not experienced any adverse effects from the incorrect antibiotic. From this, I realized the importance of carefully cross-checking prescriptions, particularly in patients with compromised renal function and multiple morbidities.
Since then, I’ve made it a habit to double-check all prescriptions, especially in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Additionally, I discussed this incident with my team during our next clinical meeting. This reflection has helped me become more vigilant and reinforces my commitment to providing safe, and patient-centered care."
Question #2: How do you reflect/learn from a mistake?
You answer should be interesting and personal.
Example Answer
"When I make a mistake, my first step is always to acknowledge it and take responsibility. After taking steps to resolve the mistake, I then reflect upon my mistake which helps me analyze what went wrong and what I can do differently. For example, after making a prescribing error during my foundation training, I took time to understand the root cause and discussed it with my supervisor to get feedback and improve.
I also find team discussions, like clinical audits and morbidity meetings, very useful. In one case, I participated in an audit on medication errors, which highlighted common issues and helped me avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Lastly, I move into action by seeking relevant learning opportunities. I took an online course on medication safety, ensuring I stay proactive in preventing future errors. Overall, this combination of reflection, feedback, and continuous learning helps me grow as a clinician and provide better care."