Clinical Skills Flashcards
How to gain informed consent for a BP/BGL check
Explain exactly what you are doing and why, explain what Pt may feel, get verbal/written (if <18) consent
What to do if you don’t understand Pt notes
Ask a more qualified colleague/supervisor, check credible medical textbook/dictionary, check workplace policies/procedures
What to do if you get an error on a VS measurement?
Explain to Pt there has been an error, ask for consent to do it again, check equipment isn’t faulty, ask someone else to do it
How to maintain Pt confidentiality
Make sure no one else is listening when discussing private info, don’t leave notes lying around, only pass on info to those that need to know, talk quietly, only discuss relevant/appropriate info, use passwords if electronic notes, turn notes upside down etc
What is consent and what are the 2 types?
When someone gives permission to another person to do something based on their knowledge of what it involves, risks, benefits and consequences of refusal.
- INFORMED: directly agree e.g. saying yes or signing an agreement
- IMPLIED: not explicitly stated but indicated actions e.g. holding arm out for BP/ thumbs up etc.
4 criteria for informed consent
- Person must have capacity to give consent
- Consent must be freely given
- Consent must be specific to procedure
- Pt must be informed in a way they can understand
What may impact a Pt’s ability to give informed consent?
Consciousness, drugs/alcohol, cognitive ability e.g. age, cognitive disabilities
When is consent not required?
To save life, prevent serious injury, significant pain or distress
What are the rules for consent regarding children?
- Parents must give consent for children under 16
- ‘Mature minors’ can give consent if they demonstrate sufficient understanding of treatment
What cultural factors may impact a Pt’s willingness to consent?
Religion, poor past experiences, language barrier
What should you do before a Pt consultation?
Clean equipment, gather equipment, PPE, read Pt file
What should you do during a Pt consultation?
Take measurements, give instructions to Pt, monitor Pt progress
What should you do after a Pt consultation?
Cleaning, correct disposal of waste, put equipment away safely, document session in Pt file
Most important consideration when discussing serious results with someone under 18
Ensure parents are present
Why is it important to triage patients?
- Triaging = the process of ranking patients based on the severity of their condition
- This is important to ensure that more serious/severe conditions are treated first
