Discover useful resources for exam revision, online learning and Electives that will help support your time as a Medical Student and beyond as a Foundation Doctor.
Parents at war over child’s medical records – MPS reveals figures on ‘Divorce Day’
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) reveals the rising number of calls on parents warring over a child’s medical records – a record 179 calls last year – on ‘Divorce Day’ (4 January). The figures work out at one phone call every other day from GPs seeking advice from MPS.
The GMC states that “doctors play a crucial role in protecting children from abuse and neglect”. Child maltreatment includes neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The following frequently asked questions are designed to advise MPS members what to do and who to contact, should they suspect children are at risk of, or are experiencing, harm.
As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence in many different types of forums including criminal or civil courts, Fatal Accident Inquiries and employment or mental health tribunals. This factsheet gives further information about what to expect and how to prepare.
The role of Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs) is to support and represent a person who lacks capacity in making a specific decision, and who has no-one (other than paid carers) to support them. This factsheet sets out further information about IMCAs and the role they play.
Providing access to medical records is essentially a confidentiality issue; therefore, the starting point is whether or not the patient has consented to disclosure. If not, access should be denied, unless there is some other clear justification for allowing access.
MPS reveals 'Melanoma blackspot' – 94% of claims lie with GPs
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More than 9 in 10 claims over delayed diagnosis of melanoma involve GPs, according to figures released by the Medical Protection Society (MPS)* today in its Your Practice magazine.
Patient experience is the smoke detector of patient safety
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Modern day healthcare has taken on a patient-led agenda; with the NHS ‘friends and family test’ to be introduced from April 2013, patient feedback being an integral part of the revalidation of doctors and the NHS mandate’s focus on ensuring patients have a positive experience of care.
One in ten cancer claims relate to breast cancer - MPS reminder for doctors to be vigilant
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Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer-related clinical negligence claim against GPs – making up one in ten cancer claims – according to the Medical Protection Society (MPS).
Cosmetic interventions review highlights importance of managing patient expectations, say MPS
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Identifying whether a patient’s expectations are realistic and ensuring they give valid consent to the intended surgery are essential steps prior to a cosmetic procedure, says the Medical Protection Society (MPS) in response to the Department of Health’s Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions
Recall of typhoid vaccine highlights the importance of documentation
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The recent recall of a typhoid vaccine because it may not offer full protection, highlights the importance of health professionals accurately recording details of vaccines and batch numbers, says the Medical Protection Society (MPS).
Conference helps surgical trainees get to grips with ethical issues
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More than 100 surgeons in training attended the joint Medical Protection Society (MPS) and Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) conference – Getting to grips with law and ethics – on Friday. The conference gave an insight into the challenges of complex ethical and medicolegal issues, and ways to aid safer practice within surgical specialties.
Convenience shouldn’t compromise confidentiality, says MPS on GPs using tablet devices
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While using tablet devices might give GPs greater flexibility with accessing information on the go, such as patient records, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is reminding GPs and practices that patient confidentiality needs to be carefully guarded.
Think twice before disclosing full patient records to insurance companies
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Following a change to how some insurance companies are assessing patients’ medical history from GPs, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is advising GP practices to ensure the patient has given valid consent before their information is disclosed.
MPS has long campaigned for a culture of openness and has seen from its members’ experience, the importance of being open and honest when something goes wrong.
MPS welcomes information sharing but highlights need for safeguards
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has welcomed the Department of Health’s strategy to transform the use of information across healthcare. The world’s leading medical defence organisation believes that the principles will support communication, improve knowledge and promote shared decision making, however, patients need to be aware of the potential risks.
The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has found that there is still confusion by GP practices about the current complaints process, despite the changes coming into force in 2009.
Managing medicolegal risks during the holiday season
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With the August bank holiday signalling the peak of the 2012 ‘summer of celebrations’, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is reminding doctors about common holiday problems they could encounter.
MPS guidance for doctors working in slimming clinics
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The management of obesity in the private sector has come under increasing scrutiny from the MHRA and GMC, resulting in regulatory action being taken against some doctors.
Mental Capacity Act 2005 - Best interests tests - England and Wales
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The best interests principle in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (the Act) states that any act done or decision made on behalf of an adult lacking capacity must be in their best interests. This can cover financial, health and social care decisions.
Parental responsibility refers to the rights and responsibilities that most parents have in respect of their children. This factsheet gives advice on who has parental responsibility and where responsibility lies in situations in which there are disagreements over the best interests of the child.
Parental responsibility refers to the rights and responsibilities that most parents have in respect of their children. This factsheet gives advice on who has parental responsibility and where responsibility lies in situations in which there are disagreements over the best interests of the child.
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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