Making Professional Judgements

Question 1

What is the duty of care?

Answer 1

Ensuring someone else does not suffer any unreasonable harm or loss, within your power

Question 2

What is the legal test of duty of care?

Answer 2

1. There must be harm caused
2. The harm must have been foreseeable
3. There must be a sufficiently proximate relationship between the parties = e.g. face to face advice
4. It must be just and reasonable to impose such a duty = a case to answer

Question 3

What are the 4 basic biomedical principles?

Answer 3

1. Non-Maleficence
2. Beneficence
3. Autonomy
4. Justice

Question 4

Describe non-maleficence

Answer 4

• Avoid harm
• Justification for acts and omissions (why have/haven’t acted)
• Withholding/withdrawing treatment is not benefiting the patient e.g. life support

Question 5

Describe beneficience

Answer 5

• Promote the well being of others
• Encompasses medical paternalism (some medical decisions are best left in the hands of the medical professionals)
• Acting without consent or over-riding a person’s wishes in order to benefit the patient or prevent harm

Question 6

Describe autonomy

Answer 6

• Self-determination
• An individual’s action should be the result of their own choices
• Competent adult’s informed decision to refuse treatment supersedes offer of treatment

Question 7

Describe justice

Answer 7

• Treat similar cases in similar ways
• Same respect to patients in different circumstances
• Distribute health care resources fairly

Question 8

List 3 issues with the basic biomedical principles

Answer 8

1. Determining which principles apply in the case
2. Interpreting the principles
3. Weighing the different principles, especially where the principles conflict

Question 9

List the 7 GPhC principles

Answer 9

1. Make patients your first concern
2. Use professional judgement in the interest of patients and the pubic
3. Show respect for others
4. Encourage patients and the public to participate in decisions about their care
5. Develop your professional knowledge and competence
6. Be honest and trustworthy
7. Take responsibility for your working practices

Question 10

Outline the decision making framework

Answer 10

1. Recognise moral issue
2. Gather all relevant information
3. Identify type of ethical problem
4. Analyse problem
5. Explore solutions
6. Make decision
7. Assess and reflect