Communication and Professionalism Flashcards

In NZ medical practice, what is the doctor's obligation when they make a clinical error?

Answer: Disclose the error to the patient (open disclosure), report it through the incident reporting system, and participate in a review to prevent recurrence

NZ medical practice requires open disclosure of clinical errors to the patient/whānau, reporting through the incident management system, and participation in reviews aimed at learning and preventing recurrence. NZ's ACC system removes the adversarial litigation element.

How should a doctor in NZ manage a request from police for patient medical information?

Answer: Patient information is confidential — only release information with patient consent, a valid court order, or if required by specific legislation (e.g., blood alcohol in drink-driving cases)

In NZ, patient medical information is confidential under the Privacy Act 2020 and Health Information Privacy Code. Information should only be released to police with patient consent, a valid court order or search warrant, or where specific legislation requires disclosure.

In the NZREX clinical exam, what is expected regarding cultural safety in patient interactions?

Answer: Demonstrate awareness of cultural differences, ask patients about their cultural needs, avoid assumptions, and adapt communication style accordingly

The NZREX assesses candidates' cultural safety by expecting them to demonstrate awareness of cultural differences, ask about and respect cultural needs and preferences, avoid stereotyping, and adapt their communication style to be appropriate for each patient.

In NZ, what is the correct approach when a patient asks you to provide a medical certificate for time off work?

Answer: Assess the patient clinically, document your findings, and provide a certificate that is honest and accurate — you must believe the patient has a genuine medical reason

NZ doctors should clinically assess the patient, document their findings, and issue a medical certificate only if they genuinely believe the patient has a medical condition justifying time off work. The certificate should be honest, accurate, and describe the functional impact.

What is the NZ approach to managing disagreements between healthcare team members regarding patient care?

Answer: Discuss concerns openly and respectfully, use evidence to support clinical positions, escalate through appropriate channels if unresolved, and always prioritise patient safety

NZ healthcare promotes a culture where all team members can raise concerns about patient care, discuss them openly and respectfully using evidence, and escalate through appropriate channels if needed. Patient safety always takes priority over hierarchy or interpersonal dynamics.

In NZ, what professional standards apply to a doctor's use of social media?

Answer: Doctors must maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and should not post identifiable patient information or bring the profession into disrepute

The MCNZ requires doctors to maintain patient confidentiality on social media (no identifiable information), uphold professional boundaries (avoid patient friend requests), and not post content that could bring the medical profession into disrepute or undermine public trust.