intro to ethics and law

Question 1

how are doctors/ the profession regarded?

Answer 1

privileged position - regarded as professionals by public and peers

studies show that doctors are the most trusted professions despite high profile failings over years

Question 2

shipman scandal

Answer 2

• Dr. Harold Shipman: British GP convicted of murdering at least 15 patients (possibly up to 250).
• Method: Used lethal doses of painkillers (e.g., diamorphine).
• Years active: 1970s to 1998.
• Motive: Believed to be a desire for power and control.
• Discovery: His killings went unnoticed due to his trusted reputation.
• Conviction: Arrested in 1998, convicted in 2000, life sentence.
• Impact: Led to reforms in medical practices and prescription controls. => + writing death certificates

Question 3

retained organs - alder hey

Answer 3

• Alder Hey Scandal: In the late 1990s, it was revealed that Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool had retained organs from deceased children without proper consent.
• Organs involved: Included hearts, brains, and other body parts.
• Issue: Parents were not informed, and organs were often kept for medical research or without legal permission.
• Investigation: Led to public outrage and an inquiry into hospital practices.
• Outcome: The Human Tissue Act 2004 was introduced to regulate the use and retention of human tissue. The scandal raised awareness of ethical standards in healthcare and consent.

Question 4

ian patterson

Answer 4

• Ian Paterson Scandal: British surgeon convicted of performing unnecessary and harmful surgeries.
• Crimes: He carried out procedures like mastectomies and breast cancer surgeries on patients who didn’t need them.
• Motivation: For personal gain, including financial incentives and to gain attention.
• Victims: Over 1,000 patients were affected, many suffering physical and emotional harm.
• Exposure: His actions were uncovered in 2017, leading to his conviction for 17 counts of wounding with intent and 3 counts of manslaughter.
• Outcome: Paterson was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The scandal led to calls for reforms in healthcare regulation and patient safety.

Question 5

infected blood inquiry

Answer 5

• Infected Blood Scandal: A UK public health disaster from the 1970s to 1990s, where patients were given contaminated blood products.
• Cause: Blood products, like clotting factors for hemophiliacs, were infected with HIV and Hepatitis C.
• Victims: Over 5,000 people, including hemophiliacs and others, were infected.
• Impact: Many patients suffered severe health issues, and hundreds died.
• Injustice: The infected blood was often imported from abroad without proper screening.
• Inquiry: The Infected Blood Inquiry was launched in 2017 to investigate the events, identify accountability, and compensate victims.
• Outcome: Ongoing efforts to provide justice for victims, including compensation and public apologies.

Question 6

what is a professional

Answer 6

someone who can do best work when doesnt feel like it

Question 7

professionalism characteristics

Answer 7

expertise
standards
respectability
responsibility
reliability
probity <=> honesty
conduct
respect

Question 8

who regulates doctors in uk
when was it made
what does it do

Answer 8

GMC - general council of medical education and registration
founded 1858
uniformity of qualifications
representative self governance

Question 9

what does GMC do

Answer 9

Question 10

relevant guidance
- student version
who will they not register

Answer 10

achieving good medical practice
- student guidance - updated in sep
-> GMC won’t register medical graduates who are not fit to practice medicine.

Question 11

guidance on what to be cautious about

Answer 11

Question 12

what professionalism boundaries does this bring up

Answer 12

dont act in a sexual way towards patients or use position to pursue relationship
as a trusted professional do not use ur position to pursue sexual relationship with patient that come in a vulnerable position
dont express beliefs

Question 13

what issue does this bring up

Answer 13

confidentiality
=> NEVER DISCLOSE WITHOUT CONSENT
or in public/ social media
never in public place/ no name
no photos

Question 14

challenges to profession

Answer 14

patients have access to info so they want to be involved in decision making
increasing demand
ageing population
budgetary constraints
AI => embracing technology whilst being aware of medicolegal risks
controversy over new roles

Question 15

what to do when mistake happens

Answer 15

ethical duty of candour
most patients want an explanation+ apology when smtg goes wrong

Question 16

what to do

Answer 16

if adult patient has capacity refuses to consent
abide by it even if it leaves them to die
give them all info they need
explore reasons
warn of risks