Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards

A consultant psychiatrist is asked to provide an expert witness report for a criminal case. Which principle is MOST important?

Answer: Objectivity and duty to the court above the instructing party

An expert witness's primary duty is to the court, requiring objective opinion regardless of who instructed them.

Which of the following BEST describes the ethical concept of 'justice' in the context of healthcare resource allocation?

Answer: Fair distribution of resources based on need, with equitable access

Justice in healthcare ethics involves equitable distribution of resources based on need, ensuring fair access across populations.

A patient undergoing psychotherapy discloses historical child sexual abuse perpetrated by someone who currently works with children. What should the psychiatrist do?

Answer: Discuss with the patient the need to refer to safeguarding, and breach confidentiality if the risk is ongoing

Safeguarding duties require considering breach of confidentiality when children may currently be at risk, ideally discussed with the patient first.

In the context of the MRCPsych and professional standards, what does 'revalidation' require of consultant psychiatrists?

Answer: Regular appraisal, multisource feedback, and demonstrating fitness to practise to retain GMC registration

Revalidation requires a five-yearly cycle of annual appraisals, multisource feedback, and supporting evidence to demonstrate ongoing fitness to practise.

A psychiatrist strongly disagrees on ethical grounds with prescribing a requested treatment (e.g., gender-affirming hormones outside their area of competence). Which response is most appropriate?

Answer: Explain their position, avoid imposing beliefs, and refer the patient to an appropriate service

GMC guidance allows conscientious objection but requires the clinician to explain their position without judgment and ensure the patient can access care elsewhere.

Which statement BEST reflects the ethical duty of candour in UK psychiatry?

Answer: Clinicians must be proactive in informing patients about errors or near-misses that caused harm

The duty of candour, embedded in GMC guidance and the Health and Social Care Act, requires proactive disclosure to patients when something has gone wrong and caused harm.

A psychiatrist learns that a patient was informally admitted but is now requesting to leave and staff are preventing discharge without legal authority. This constitutes:

Answer: Unlawful deprivation of liberty if no formal detention order is in place

Detaining an informal patient without proper legal authority constitutes unlawful deprivation of liberty, requiring either a formal MHA section or MCA/DOLS authorisation.