Regulating the Medical Profession Flashcards
how has the RCP defined professionalism
a set of values, behaviours and relationships that underpins the trust the public has in doctors.
characteristics of professionalism
- Expertise
- Standards
- Respectability
- Responsibility and reliability
- Probity
- Conduct
- Respect
- Integrity
discuss public interest disclosures
“If you consider that failure to disclose the information would leave individuals or society exposed to a risk so serious that it outweighs the patients’ and the public interest in maintaining confidentiality, you should disclose relevant information promptly to an appropriate person or authority. You should inform the patient before disclosing the information, if it is practicable and safe to do so, even if you intend to disclose without their consent.”
what is the critical component in the doctor patient partnership?
trust
social media guidance
You must not make malicious and unfounded criticisms of colleagues that may undermine patients’ trust in the care or treatment they receive or in the judgement of those treating them. You must make sure that your conduct at all times justifies your patients’ trust in you and the public’s trust in the profession.
issues surrounding doctors and social media
- Blurring of professional boundaries
- Danger of not being on Facebook
- Near permanent record
- Future employers
- Role modelling
- Patient makes disparaging comments about a consultation on Facebook
- Confidentially
- Denigration
- Defamation
- Crime
reasons for complaints
- Error
- Grief
- Poor understanding/explanation
- Unrealistic expectations
- Failure to appreciate needs/wishes of patient
when you respond to a complaint
- Identify the various issues
- Respond to each
- Be quick to acknowledge at the outset any valid parts of the complaint
- Explain any steps you’ve taken to try and prevent such valid concerns from happening again
- Patients have the right to complain
- You have the legal and professional responsibility to reply
- When you receive a complaint, take stock and provide a considered response
- The first response back to an angry patient is the crucial one. Get it right
why do patients sue?
• Predisposing factors o Rudeness o Inattentiveness o Miscommunication • Precipitating events o Adverse outcome o Iatrogenic injury o Incorrect care o System errors
what do patients sue about?
The majority of cases of suing are not related to negligence. 70-80% of litigation is related to poor communication between doctor and patient. >50% of 263 patients who sued their doctor claimed they were so turned off by the doctor that they wanted to sue them before the alleged incident. A surgeon’s tone of voice may influence a patient’s decision to sue – less concerned and more dominating.
communication when things go wrong
- Meet the patient or family
- Try to see the patient’s perspective
- Perception is reality to the patient
- Explanation
- Courteous, objective, professional
- Apologise when appropriate
investigations into misconduct
- Can be unrelated to medicine
- At any time
- At any place
- The Medical council will investigate if your honesty and probity are in question
medical council causes involve
- Manner and attitude
- Dishonesty
- Sexual impropriety
- Criminal convictions
- Health issues – drink driving/abuse of drugs/mental health
- Significant performance issues
types of criminal prosecution made against doctors
- Indecent assault
- Prescription fraud
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Deception offecnces
