Outcome 4 (Medical Ethics And Medical Etiquette)

Question 1

1. What are the 4 main guidelines of Medical Ethics?

Answer 1

• Treating people equally without any form of prejudice, according to their medical needs
• Preserving life
• Maintaining patient confidentiality
• Not criticising doctors or colleagues

Question 2

2. What is Medical Etiquette?

Answer 2

Concerned with the social code of conduct within a medical environment

Question 3

3. What is Medical Ethics?

Answer 3

Concerned with the moral code of practice, which applies to all members of the medical profession

Question 4

4. How do you refer to someone who is a Fellow of a Royal College?

Answer 4

Mr. / Mrs. / Miss

Question 5

5. What are the 6 main guidelines of Medical Etiquette?

Answer 5

• Addressing colleagues and patients correctly
• All patients should be treated, regardless of age, sex or ethnicity, according to their medical requirements
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Inform the medical profession of changes in patient circumstances, for instance the death of a family member
• Do not criticise members of the medical profession to patients, also do not recommend
• Before a medical certificate is issued make sue the patient has seen their doctor who will authorise this

Question 6

6. What is the key tenet of patient confidentiality?

Answer 6

Anything a patient tells the clinician will not be divulged, even after their death

Question 7

7. What are the 6 Caldicott Principles?

Answer 7

• Justify the purpose: define every use of information
• Don’t use patient-identifiable information unless absolutely necessary
• Use the minimum of necessary patient-identifiable information only
• Access to patient-identifiable information should be on a strictly need to know basis
• Everyone should be aware of their responsibilities
• Understand and comply with the law; every use must be lawful

Question 8

8. When may patient information (as well as demographic information) be passed on?

Answer 8

If the patient has given consent and on a need to know basis. Wherever possible it should be anonymised.

Question 9

9. What 5 guidelines will ensure patient confidentiality in a healthcare setting?

Answer 9

• No gossip about patients
• Carry out discussions, and write letters and reports, away from patients
• Make sure you have a username and password for your computer, and lock it when you are away
• Do not leave information on a computer screen. If speaking to a patient keep the screen turned away and paperwork face down
• File paperwork immediately, and shred anything not needed, or place in confidential waste bin

Question 10

10. What is important to remember regarding confidential paperwork?

Answer 10

• Don’t leave correspondence, notes or test results lying around where others may see them
• File correspondence and medical results securely in the medical notes ASAP
• Don’t leave originals in the photocopier when you have copied them
• Ensure that faxes are sent to a safe haven area, or phone the recipient so they can be there to receive the info. Remember to take the original fax with you when done
• Use an envelope to conceal sensitive info when transporting

Question 11

11. What is it important to remember regarding confidential phone calls?

Answer 11

• Go to a room away from Reception to make the call–be discreet
• Ensure you have correctly identified the person you are calling for before divulging any information
• Do not give information to anyone other than the patient
• Do not give clinical information to the patient. Ask the patient to make an appointment, or request authorisation to release the info

Question 12

12. What is it important to remember regarding faxes?

Answer 12

• Use a Safe Haven fax if possible (away from the public)
• Make sure the number is correct, and phone ahead if necessary to make sure the recipient is there
• Do not leave the fax machine running, as others may have access
• Phone to check the fax has been received
• Do not leave papers on the fax after sending
• Anonymise patient info before sending.

Question 13

13. What is important to remember when making confidential photocopies?

Answer 13

• Do not leave patient info on the photocopier after use
• Ensure you photocopy away from the public
• Only make as many copies as are required
• Do not mix up patient info; keep each task seperate to ensure patient confidentiality