Departing from guidelines
CLINICAL guidelines are not legally binding but clinicians should exercise caution and discuss the matter with patients before going against recommendations.
Protecting victims of FGM
FEMALE genital mutilation (FGM) is more common in the UK than most people think.
Smartphones at work
Always consider patient confidentiality and seek permission before using your phone at work.
Incentives and inducements
Incentives have their place in improving quality in healthcare but the needs of patients must still come first.
Bullying risks patient safety
Be aware that bullying/harassment creates a poor working environment that can negatively impact on patient safety and care. Seek advice early before the problem escalates.
Parental disputes over access to records
Avoid becoming drawn into parental disputes by ensuring all subject access requests to children’s records are dealt with fairly and in line with relevant professional guidance and legislation.
Telephone triage in primary care
MANY busy practices use non-clinical staff to triage calls from patients. But are your protocols and policies robust enough to protect patient safety?
Healthcare assistants and the flu vaccination
Ensure HCAs are not tasked to provide flu vaccinations under a Patient Group Direction.
Criminal record checks
New rules mean certain "spent" criminal convictions no longer have to be declared by clinicians in England and Wales.
Reporting adverse drug reactions
Be sure to report any suspected adverse drug reaction to comply with GMC guidance