Professional Duties Flashcards
Give an example of a ‘Good Samaritan’ act
Driving along and you observe a motor cyclist lying on the road with someone else standing over them eg helping in public
What are 4 ethical arguments for a Dr assisting in public emergency?
Consequentialist - benefit outweighs harm, Dr have more knowledge/skills to help
Deontology - duty as a fellow citizen/professional duty of care
Virtue ethics - Dr are people who act with compassion/kindness
Is there a legal obligation for a Dr to assist in emergency situations?
No, just moral obligation, just legal obligation when there’s an established duty of care or when you introduce yourself and establish duty of care but must act within clinical competence
GPs may be legally obliged if during contracted hours or within practice area
What’s the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015?
Applies when a court is determining the steps that a person was required to take to meet a standard of care
What’s the GMC guidance on professional duties?
You must offer help if emergency situations arise in the community, taking account of your own safety, competence and availability for other care
What does Indemnity cover and not cover/not apply to?
NHS Litigation Authority provides indemnity for clinical negligence claims, but only for those duties listed in the Drs contract
Doesn’t cover disciplinary actions from the employer, referrals to GMC, GP contractors/locums etc
Doesn’t apply for contract work, voluntary work or overseas
Additional indemnity can be provided by medical defence union/medical protection society
What should you always remember when dealing with emergency situations?
Your clinical competence Consent Case notes Communications Clinical negligence
What’s informal medicine?
Treatment or consultation given without usual record keeping or follow up (eg treating family/friends)
What’s the GMC guidance on informal medicine?
Wherever possible you should avoid providing medical care to anyone you have a close personal relationship with (should also avoid prescribing)
What are some arguments in favour of treating friends/family?
Reduce burden on NHS
Leads to better standard of care as know the patient better
Greater understanding of patient and situation
Relationship of trust between Dr and patient
What are some arguments against treating friends/family?
Emotional involvement may lead to lack of objectivity
Standard of care lower as not in clinical environment
Impaired relationship with own GP
Confidentiality
Patient may feel unable to refuse treatment
Dr may not wish to explore sensitive topics
