Professional Standards and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real FRACGP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards and Ethics flashcards as text
Which of the following actions by a GP would most clearly constitute unprofessional conduct under AHPRA standards?
Answer: Entering a sexual relationship with a current patient
Sexual relationships with current patients are a clear breach of professional boundaries and constitute serious professional misconduct.
A GP is asked to certify that a patient is medically unfit for jury duty. The GP has not examined the patient for this purpose and has no current relevant clinical information. What should the GP do?
Answer: Decline to issue the certificate without conducting an appropriate assessment
GPs must only complete certificates and reports based on accurate, current, and personally verified clinical information.
Under the RACGP Standards for General Practices, what is the minimum requirement for chaperone provision during intimate examinations?
Answer: The offer of a chaperone must be made and the patient's decision documented
Practices must offer a chaperone for intimate examinations and document whether the offer was accepted or declined.
A GP's long-term patient dies unexpectedly. The patient's adult child demands an explanation and accuses the GP of negligence. The most appropriate immediate response is to:
Answer: Meet with the family, express condolences, explain the clinical circumstances, and listen to their concerns
Open disclosure principles require the GP to meet with affected parties, offer condolences, and explain events transparently.
A GP's patient discloses they are a victim of domestic violence but does not want police involved. The GP suspects ongoing risk. The correct approach is to:
Answer: Respect autonomy, safety plan with the patient, document, and provide resources without mandatory reporting unless children are at risk
Adult DV is not automatically mandatorily reportable; the GP should safety plan, offer resources, and escalate only if children are at risk.
A GP is asked to provide a reference for a colleague applying for a senior hospital position. The GP has serious concerns about the colleague's clinical competence. The most ethical approach is to:
Answer: Decline to provide the reference rather than give a dishonest or incomplete account
A GP who cannot provide an honest reference should decline, as misleading references undermine public safety.
What does the principle of 'justice' require of a GP in clinical practice?
Answer: Distributing healthcare resources fairly and treating patients without discrimination
Justice in medical ethics requires equitable distribution of resources and non-discriminatory treatment based on need.