The case reports in Casebook also reflect that the same errors are repeated – but we have a better understanding now of the predisposing factors: poor communication and lack of empathy, which increase the chance of a claim after a precipitating event, such as an adverse outcome.

In this edition we take a look at leadership from a different direction – the skill of followership. It’s not a term many doctors will embrace immediately – images of sheep certainly came to my mind when I first came across the term, but I am taken by the logical and accurate descriptions of how this skill can influence team behaviours and success.

The media coverage of healthcare recently has just felt like an endless catalogue of horror after horror and can be dispiriting; in Casebook we try not to focus overly on what went wrong, but what learning can be shared – and that not every allegation succeeds.

As ever, we hope that this is a relevant and interesting insight into cases we have handled, and stimulates reflection on how to look after yourself and your patients in ever more challenging times.

Dr Stephanie Bown – Editor-in-chief
MPS Director of Policy and Communications