Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards

Which of the following BEST describes 'therapeutic privilege' and its current standing in UK medical ethics?

Answer: A largely discredited concept — withholding information to prevent distress generally violates patient autonomy

Therapeutic privilege — withholding information to spare distress — is largely rejected in contemporary UK ethics as it undermines patient autonomy and informed consent.

A psychiatrist in private practice develops romantic feelings for a former patient discharged 6 months ago. According to GMC guidance, this relationship:

Answer: Remains inappropriate indefinitely due to the power imbalance inherent in the therapeutic relationship

GMC guidance prohibits sexual and romantic relationships with former patients indefinitely, as the power dynamics of the therapeutic relationship do not simply dissolve at discharge.

Under the Equality Act 2010, which of the following is a 'protected characteristic' directly relevant to psychiatric practice?

Answer: Mental and physical disability

Disability, including mental illness, is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, requiring reasonable adjustments in healthcare settings.

A patient with anorexia nervosa has capacity and refuses nasogastric feeding. She is not detained. What is the ethical and legal position?

Answer: Her capacitous refusal must be respected, even if this results in death

A capacitous adult's refusal of treatment is legally and ethically binding in England and Wales, even if that decision may lead to death.

The concept of 'moral distress' in psychiatry refers to:

Answer: A clinician's distress when prevented from acting according to their ethical judgement

Moral distress occurs when clinicians know the ethically right action but are constrained by institutional or systemic factors from carrying it out.

An NHS psychiatrist is offered a paid speaking engagement by a pharmaceutical company whose drug they regularly prescribe. Which response reflects best ethical practice?

Answer: Disclose the relationship to their employer and consider declining or declaring conflict of interest

GMC guidance requires declaring and managing conflicts of interest; clinicians must be transparent with their employer and consider whether the relationship compromises their objectivity.

Gillick competence in the psychiatric assessment of a 15-year-old patient refers to:

Answer: The capacity of a young person to consent to treatment if they sufficiently understand its nature and implications

Gillick competence allows a young person under 16 to consent to treatment if they demonstrate sufficient understanding, regardless of parental consent.