Raising Concerns Flashcards
Why is it important for pharmacy professionals to raise concerns as early as possible?
- To allow employers to make constructive changes to practice to benefit patients
- To limit harm to patients
Which legislative works protect professionals who raise genuine concerns and expose ‘malpractice’ in the workplace?
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA)
What can be the consequence of not raising concerns of another professional’s practice?
May be out of line with the Standards set out by GPhC, and call into question their fitness to practice
What are the steps/considerations when raising a genuine concern? (5)
- Find out organisation/employer’s policy
- Report without delay
- Report to immediate supervisor e.g. line manager (where not possible - to a suitable person or outside body)
- Keep a record
- Maintain confidentiality
What are examples of other possible relevant bodies pharmacy professionals can report concerns to?
- Person who has been named as responsible for handling concerns
- Senior manager e.g. Chief pharmacist
- The primary care organisation
- The health or social care profession regulator
- The relevant system regulator for the organisation
What information should be kept as record of a raised concern?
- Nature of the concern
- Who it has been raised to
- The response/action taken as a result
What such events are considered to warrant a raised concern?
- Those with potential to cause harm to an individual e.g. irresponsible or illegal prescribing
- A crime or civil offence e.g. theft, fraud
- Miscarriage of justice
- Damage to the environment
- A cover-up of information about any of the above
Where can pharmacy professionals go for advice regarding raising concerns?
- Senior members of staff
- The accountable officer (if surrounding CDs)
- Their professional indemnity insurance provider
- The GPhC
- The charity - Pharmacist Support
- Their union
