Ethics and Law

Question 1

It is a legal duty or a professional duty to inform the police when you see someone with a knife wound or gunshot wound?

Answer 1

Professional- can be anonymised

Wouldn’t face legal consequences for not doing it, but may have professional consequences

Question 2

To win a claim for clinical negligence, the claimant must prove what 3 things:

Answer 2

1. A duty of care existed
2. The duty was breached
3. Harm occurred as a result of that breach

Question 3

Where can you go if there’s disagreement between medical professionals or relatives in a patient who lacks capacity?

Answer 3

Court of Protection

May appoint a Deputy of Court to carry on making decisions (for example in a patient over 18 with learning difficulties whose parents are their carers)

Question 4

What is the difference in powers between someone with lasting power of attorney compared to a deputy of court?

Answer 4

LPA has permission to make decisions about life-sustaining treatment (if pre-specified), deputy of court doesn’t.

Question 5

Which two factors are used to determine which treatment option provides most overall clinical benefit in someone who lacks capacity (and an LPA + advance decision)

Answer 5

Least restrictive option
Best quality of life

Taking into account patient’s expressed wishes, advanced statements and views of family + friends

Question 6

Who can sign a DNA CPR form?

Answer 6

Registrar

but consultant must review that decision within 24-48 hours

Question 7

3 reasons for DNA CPR decision:

Answer 7

Futility- wouldn’t work
Not clinically appropriate- may work but downside might outweigh the benefit
Patient’s decision

Question 8

Circumstances when doctors have a legal requirement to breach confidentiality:

Answer 8

Judge/ court order
Notifiable infections (doesn't include HIV)

Question 9

How long should you stop driving after an MI?

Answer 9

4 weeks

If driving heavy goods lorries may need a stress ECG before being allowed to drive again

Question 10

When can you no longer drive if you have an AAA?

Answer 10

When it grows beyond 6.5cm

The DVLA should be informed anyway at 6cm

Question 11

What are the rules regarding driving and epilepsy?

Answer 11

No driving within 1 year of an awake fit
UNLESS first unprovoked solitary fit- wait 6 months

If have nly fitted whilst asleep, may drive if only asleep attacks for the last 3 years + no awake attacks.
If withdrawing Rx no driving for 6 months after cessation