Checking a colleague's medical history Flashcards
You are an SHO working in the Acute Medical Unit (AMU). One of your SHO colleagues is admitted to AMU. You find your FY1 looking at the SHO’s blood results.
What issues does this raise?
It appears that the FY1 is checking the SHO’s blood results out of personal interest, when they did not have a duty of care to the SHO. This scenario raises the issues of patient confidentiality and professionalism and constitutes a serioues wrong doing and lack of professional behaviour on behalf of the FY1.
How would you manage this situation?
In a non-confrontational manner, I would want to first establish why the FY1 is looking at the SHO’s blood results. It will be important to confirm that it was inappropriate for the FY1 to be viewing the bloods before making any accusations
If it was confirmed that the FY1 did not have a duty of care to the SHO and therefore should not have been viewing the results, this represents a serious breach in patient confidentiality > requires to be acted upon. In a private room, I would begin by explaining what I had seen and ask them to explain.
Owing to the nature of this transgression, this incident would need to be escalated to a senior, in this case the clinical supervisor of the FY1 (or failing that, my clinical supervisor).
I would document the event and any conversations I had. I would also reflect on the situation and if it could have been handled better on my part.
Lastly, an apology and explanation would need to be made to the SHO from the FY1. I would liaise with my senior colleague about how this should be approached.
The FY1 asks you not to tell anyone else; what do you do?
I would explain to the FY1 that given the seriousness of this I will need to report the event. However, I would be sympathetic about the situation and would explain to them that I would involve as few people as possible.
It is likely that the consequences of this incidence are likely to cause the FY1 considerable distress. I would be supportive to them throughout the proceedings and deal with the issue in a non-accusatory manner.
What is likely to happen following this?
The seriousness of this incident means it is likely to be escalated to the level of the clinical director and medical directors of the trust. They may wish to collect more information on the incident from you or the FY1.
They will then decide on the action to be taken which may involve a warning to the FY1, a period of suspension or potentially even dismissal. They may also consider reporting to the GMC.
What is Clinical Governance?
Clinical governance sets on the principles that ensures that the NHS delivers a high-quality standard of care and accountability.
Give some examples of Clinical Governance
One of the seven pillars of clinical governance is clinical effectiveness and research.
Clinical Effectiveness and Research: Example from the RECOVERY Trial
As co-PI for the RECOVERY trial at Hereford County Hospital, I ensured the trial ran smoothly by focusing on recruitment, protocol adherence, and coordination. I worked with clinical teams to recruit eligible patients, provided clear information to foster trust, and ensured strict adherence to treatment protocols. I also managed logistical challenges, such as maintaining medication supply, and acted as the link between the hospital team and central trial coordinators. This role reinforced my commitment to high-quality research that directly impacts patient care.
Patient and Public Involvement
We held a PPI session at Ealing Broadway Community Centre to gather public feedback on AI-enhanced ECG models. The session provided insights into perceptions of AI in healthcare, guiding our development and validation efforts.
