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?
Good record keeping essential with remote consulting
MDDUS has seen a rise in calls from members concerned about treating patients safely in remote consultations. One way to manage risk is to ensure that record keeping is clear, sufficiently detailed, accurate and contemporaneous.
How safe is your telephone triage system?
COVID-19 has changed the way in which medical practices operate, with the need to reduce risk of exposure to both staff and patients. An effective telephone triage system has become an essential tool in this new way of working.
Dealing with the press
WALL-to-wall coverage of the coronavirus pandemic has put health professionals squarely in the media spotlight – and it may seem helpful and straightforward enough to engage with the press but MDDUS urges caution
Data concerns when texting patients
TEXT messaging patients has become almost routine in healthcare today but robust processes are still needed to monitor and control both message content and intent, as well as protect patient confidentiality.
Brexit patient safety risks
BREXIT looms ever larger as the UK faces yet another crucial deadline – and MDDUS has received numerous calls requesting advice in regard to the potential for disrupted patient care and service provision in the event of a "no deal".
Employer rating sites
WEBSITES that encourage employees to review a former (or current) workplace may be useful for job seekers – but for healthcare professionals there are risks in posting on such sites.
Covert video recording
CAN patients video record consultations or staff undertaking a clinical procedure without permission?
Burnout is also a patient safety issue
THERE is well-established evidence of a causal relationship between reduced wellbeing of clinicians and patient safety risks within secondary care – and a recent study suggests the same is true in primary care.
Research trial pitfalls
POTENTIAL legal difficulties involving medical trials can range from participant complaints to more serious allegations of fraud. Ensure that you're research ready.