Deviating from clinical guidelines
Clinical guidelines are not statutory codes - clinicians must use professional judgment in applying the principles to each unique situation they encounter.
Complaints from grieving relatives
SENSITIVITY and tact are key when responding to complaints from grieving relatives, and clinicians must resist the urge to react defensively.
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".
Telephone consultations
TELEPHONE consultations can be a valuable and convenient clinical tool for both GPs and their patients - but MDDUS urges caution in routine use.
Patient safety at the interface
There are a number of risks associated with handover and communication between secondary and primary care.
Child protection – everyone’s responsibility
Not only do doctors and dentists have a professional obligation to act on any concerns they may have about the safety or welfare of a child or young person - they risk allegations of misconduct in failing to do so.
Doctors dealing with dental emergencies
Are there any circumstances in which GPs or other medical doctors should be providing what amounts to dental treatment?
Remote prescribing of injectable cosmetics and other medicines
Face-to-face consultations with patients are required before prescribing Botox or other injectable cosmetic medicines - but clinicians should ensure compliance with regulations and professional guidance before remotely prescribing any medicine or treatment.
Compulsory data audits now a reality
NHS data controllers have been put on notice by the Information Commissioner to ensure they have appropriate systems and controls in place to protect patient data – as NHS organisations, including GP practices, now face compulsory data protection audits.
Covert recording of consultations
A recent call to the MDDUS advisory service highlighted some confusion over a patient’s right to covertly (or indeed overtly) record their medical or dental consultation.