Ethics and public health Flashcards
What is phase 1 of a drug trial?
Finding the best dose of treatment and determining side effects
What is phase 2 of a drug trial?
Checking the best dose, determining side effects and evaluating how well the treatment works
What is phase 3 of a clinical drug trial?
Comparing the new treatment to the standard treatment of to the dummy drug
What are the 4 points of the mental capacity act required for someone to be deemed to have capacity?
Understand the information
Retain the information
Able to weight up the information to make a decision
Able to communicate their decision
If one of these is not present then they are deemed to not have capacity
Who is able to consent for a non Gillick competent child?
Biological mother, the biological father can only consent if the parents are married or the father is named on the birth certificate
What is done in emergency situation regarding blood transfusions and Jehovah’s witnesses?
When an emergency situation arises and it is not possible to find out a patients wishes you can treat them without consent (even if it against their families wishes)
What is an advanced directive?
Document written at a time when a person has capacity that states the individuals preferences with respect to medical treatment, refers to specific treatment in specific circumstances and can be overruled by a lasting power of attorney
Are all patients assumed or not assumed to have capacity?
All patient must be assumed to have capacity unless there is evidence to the contrary following a thorough assessment
If a patient has capacity what must be done regarding their decisions
You must follow their wishes even if it means withdrawing or not providing treatment or it is in your view an unwise decision
Are you allowed to accept gifts from patients?
As a rule no in case it is perceived as an abuse of trust and it could affect the doctor patient relationship
What is a child who is gillick competent allowed to do?
They are allowed to consent to their own medical treatment but a minor cannot refuse treatment that is deemed in their best interest
What deaths should be reported to the coroner?
Unexpected or sudden deaths, death within 24 hours of hospital admission, accidents/injuries, suicide, industrial injury/disease, deaths as a result of ill treatment/starvation/neglect, stillbirths, prisoner or people in police custody, poisoning/illicit drug use, patient has not been seen by doctor in last 14 days
Do doctors have to be vaccinated against serious common diseases?
Yes they have a duty to their patients and colleagues to be immunised as long as they have no contraindications
When is confidentiality allowed to be broken?
If it is in public interest such as to prevent serious harm to others or in response to communicable diseases that pose a risk to public health - patients should be encouraged to tell themselves but if unable to do this confidentiality must be broken to do so
Who should tell the DVLA of any issues with their health that may affect their driving?
The driver of a car is legally responsible for informing the DVLA of any issues with their health - if patient refuses or is unable to understand the doctor is responsible for informing the DVLA immediately
