Confidentiality is at the centre of maintaining trust between patients and doctors. As a doctor, you have access to sensitive personal information about patients and you have a legal and ethical duty to keep this information confidential, unless the patient consents to the disclosure, disclosure is required by law or is necessary in the public interest. This factsheet sets out the basic principles of confidentiality.
Confidentiality – General principles - Northern Ireland
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Confidentiality is at the centre of maintaining trust between patients and doctors. As a doctor, you have access to sensitive personal information about patients and you have a legal and ethical duty to keep this information confidential, unless the patient consents to the disclosure; disclosure is required by law or is necessary in the public interest. This factsheet sets out the basic principles of confidentiality.
MPS survey reveals 46% of GPs believe patients are more violent and aggressive than five years ago
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A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of 254 GP members reveals that 46% of GPs believe patients are more violent and aggressive than five years ago, while 35% think the situation is about the same. Worryingly, 51% of GPs have experienced violent or aggressive behaviour from patients and sadly 34% of those accepted it as part of their job.
Doctors more fearful of GMC investigations than litigation
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In yesterday’s Health Select Committee hearing, the GMC suggested doctors practise defensively because of the threat of litigation; however MPS’s experience is that it is the increasing scrutiny by the GMC, with half of those investigations requiring no action on the doctor’s registration, which is causing most alarm and mistrust within the profession.
Clinical negligence claims – What to expect - Scotland
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A clinical negligence claim is a demand for financial compensation for alleged harm caused by substandard clinical care. Common reasons for claims include failure or delay in diagnosis, or incorrect treatment. In fact, many claims arise out of poor communication. This factsheet outlines the main stages in the legal process of a claim and what it means for you. If you receive a complaint, and this is not being dealt with by your NHS or other employer, you should contact MPS immediately.
MPS welcomes review of GMC treatment of vulnerable doctors under investigation
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MPS (Medical Protection Society) welcomes the General Medical Council’s (GMC) commitment to review the way it treats vulnerable doctors under fitness to practise investigations.
MPS’s Christmas reminder of doctors’ obligations to report dangerous drivers
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With the recent reduction in Scotland’s drink-driving limit and the festive season now in full swing, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is reminding doctors of their professional obligations to disclose information regarding patients who jeopardise public safety by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
House of Commons hears MPS’s concerns that Medical Innovation Bill could increase uncertainty
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At a House of Commons Adjournment debate yesterday, the Medical Protection Society’s (MPS) concerns that the Medical Innovation Bill is unnecessary and could increase uncertainty were raised.
As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of tribunals, including criminal or civil courts, the coroner’s court and employment or mental health tribunals. This factsheet gives further information about what to expect and how to prepare.
91% of doctors want more guidance on patient’s recording consultations, MPS survey reveals
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An MPS survey of over 500 members has revealed that one in five (19%) doctors have experience of patients recording their consultations. Of those, 40% were not made aware at the time that the patient was recording the consultation.
The Medical Protection Society (MPS) opposes the GMC’s proposals to change its sanctions guidance and effectively dilute the discretion of Fitness to Practise Panels
If a patient dies and the death is reportable to the coroner, you should leave all equipment in place until you have discussed the case with the coroner’s officer. This factsheet gives you further information about what to do.
Removal of medical equipment after death - England
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If a patient dies and the death is reportable to the coroner, you should leave all equipment in place until you have discussed the case with the coroner’s officer. This factsheet gives you further information about what to do.
Communicating with patients by fax and email - England
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Electronic communication can provide a useful and alternative point of access for patients. However, you should ensure that, if sensitive information needs to be sent electronically, safeguards are in place to avoid breaching patient confidentiality. This factsheet sets out the potential risks of electronic communication.
Medical Innovation Bill a serious threat to doctor-patient relationship, says MPS
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Ahead of the debate in the House of Lords on Friday 24 October, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) reiterates its opposition to the Medical Innovation Bill as it has the danger to inhibit responsible innovation, give false reassurance to doctors, and damage the doctor-patient relationship.
MPS survey: GMC investigations impact on the health of 72% of doctors
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A Medical Protection Society (MPS) survey of 180 doctors investigated by the General Medical Council in the last five years found that almost three quarters (72%) believed the investigation had a detrimental impact on their mental and/or physical health.
MPS calls for safeguards on a new offence of wilful neglect on doctors
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Ahead of the debate in the House of Lords on 20th October on a new offence of wilful neglect on doctors, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) continues to call for safeguards to prevent damaging consequences to the professional lives of doctors.
MPS notes Healthwatch England’s ‘Suffering in silence' report
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Dr Nick Clements, Head of Medical Services at MPS says: “It is worrying that three out of five patients and care users that complain about their treatment feel that the system is failing to address their concerns. A culture of openness in the NHS is critical to improving the quality and safety of patients.
MPS encourages doctors to ensure patients understand online medical records
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While the Medical Protection Society (MPS) welcomes the significant increase in the percentage of patients who can access their medical records online, it is concerned that simply providing patients with access is not enough. MPS is urging doctors to also provide patients with the support they need to understand and use information safely, appropriately and effectively.
MPS survey: Consent an issue for practices involved in seven day GP access trial
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) is encouraging GP practices participating in the government’s trial to provide seven day GP access and extended opening hours to be mindful of confidentiality if sharing medical records with other primary care services.
In this issue we bring you two interesting cases; the first encourages GPs to exercise caution when diagnosing haematuria, and the second highlights how various poor communication channels can have a negative impact on patient care.
With the ever-changing legislation surrounding the management of controlled drugs, clinical risk manager Kate Taylor asks, is your practice is up-to-date?
Being subject to a complaint or investigation can be distressing and stressful. Our video series shows how Medical Protection will continue to provide you with personal support, advice and representation for a whole range of medicolegal concerns, protecting your career and reputation.
Our professional development courses are available when and where it suits you. From short online courses to face to-face-workshops, discover a range of CPD courses included in your membership.
Read real-life cases of complaints, claims and clinical negligence taken from our archives.
Chosen to give you clear learning points to help you avoid similar situations and reduce your risk, the cases also feature advice from medicolegal experts.
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