Be clear on competency when providing ‘fit notes’
Keep within clinical competence in making workplace recommendations on medical ‘fit notes’
Remembrance of dental treatment past - dental case study
...The patients sought damages for crowns on his front teeth - even though the work was 25 years old...
Beware dangerous side-effects in chronic asthma treatment
Failure to adequately monitor long-term steroid treatment of patients with chronic asthma can lead to serious side-effects.
Hazardous driving - medical case study
...The GP saw a dementia patient whose licence had been revoked drive into the practice car park...
Ensure adequate chaperoning to prevent sex assault claims
Complaints of sexual assault by patients are not uncommon. Doctors should always offer a chaperone wherever possible.
A nip too far - medical case study
...the surgeon mistakenly cut off too much skin around his eye. The patient needed grafts and suffered scarring...
Resource prioritisation in flu pandemic
How should doctors prioritise vaccinations among vulnerable patient groups should demand outstrip supply?
Unsightly side-effect - medical case study
...Due to a systems error, the patient was maintained on twice the prescribed daily dose of acne medication for three years which caused staining to her teeth...
Avoid unwarranted disclosure in referrals
There is much to digest in the new revised GMC guidance on patient confidentiality, and MDDUS encourages members to read the document carefully. One common pitfall in this area was highlighted in a recent call to our advice line.
Pholcodine reaction - medical case study
...The patient suffered a severe reaction to the medication that required several days of hospital treatment, including time in intensive care...