Professional pitfalls in social media use
Social media is now a part of all our lives – and it is important to be aware of expectations on how doctors and dentists should behave online.
Burnout risks patient safety
There is a well-established causal relationship between reduced clinician wellbeing and increased patient safety incidents - and the rise in the incidence and severity of reported burnout is concerning
Providing incident statements and reports
Engaging in incident investigations can seem daunting but it is important to provide any required statement or report in a clear, detailed and objective manner
Domestic abuse and remote consulting
HOUSEHOLD isolation measures during the pandemic have increased risks for those under threat from domestic abuse. A majority of clinical interactions now being undertaken remotely means reduced opportunities to recognise and act on cases. What can you do to help potential victims?
Opioid prescribing risks
OPIOID addiction has reached crisis proportions in the US – but UK prescribers also face increasing risk.
Plain English for patients
Clear and comprehensible outpatient letters are of vital importance for safe healthcare - and they should be addressed to the patient
Altering patient notes
CLINICAL notes are an important record of the encounters between medical or dental staff and their patients. Altering them in a less than honest or straightforward way can result in serious consequences.
Recording patient calls
HEATLHCARE providers are increasingly opting to record telephone interactions with patients - but it is important to be aware of data protection implications.
Text messaging patients
ISSUING patient reminders or alerts can be a time-consuming task for practices which is why many are turning to texting - but there are risks to consider before clicking "send".
Who would be a Good Samaritan?
RECENT media coverage of a locum doctor refusing to leave his office to help an injured pensioner has reignited debate over a doctor’s ethical duty towards patients not under their care.