BMAT Professional Standards & Competencies 5

Question 1

What is the main purpose of a 'significant event analysis' (SEA) in general practice?

Accepted Answer

To systematically review adverse events and near-misses to improve patient safety

Answer

SEA is a structured, blame-free process that reviews significant clinical events to extract lessons and drive safety improvements.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the ethical concept of 'double effect'?

Accepted Answer

Providing an action with a beneficial primary intent that may have a foreseeable harmful secondary outcome

Answer

The doctrine of double effect permits an action intended to achieve good even if it foreseeably causes harm, provided the harm is not the intended means.

Question 3

A junior doctor is uncertain about a clinical decision outside their competence. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Seek advice from a more experienced colleague or supervisor promptly

Answer

Recognising the limits of one's competence and seeking senior support promptly is a core professional standard that protects patient safety.

Question 4

Under the GMC's Good Medical Practice, which of the following is NOT a core domain of professional conduct?

Accepted Answer

Financial management of the clinical department

Answer

The GMC's Good Medical Practice covers clinical competence, safety, communication, and maintaining trust — not departmental financial management.

Question 5

What is the key ethical tension in mandatory vaccination policies for healthcare workers?

Accepted Answer

Individual autonomy of the worker vs. duty to protect patients

Answer

Mandatory vaccination creates tension between a healthcare worker's personal autonomy and their professional duty to minimise risk to vulnerable patients.

BMAT - Assessment Practice Test

BMAT - Assessment Practice Test

BMAT Professional Standards & Competencies 5