NZREX Communication and Professionalism 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Hide the error to avoid legal consequences

Answer

Only disclose if the error caused visible harm

Answer

Report it anonymously and avoid discussing it with the patient

Question 2

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

Accepted 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)

Answer

Provide all requested information immediately

Answer

Refuse all police requests regardless of circumstances

Answer

Release information only if the patient is present

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Treat all patients identically regardless of cultural background

Answer

Only demonstrate cultural safety with Māori patients

Answer

Cultural safety is not assessed in the NZREX

Question 4

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

Accepted 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

Answer

Always provide a certificate if the patient asks, regardless of clinical assessment

Answer

Refuse all medical certificate requests as they are not a medical responsibility

Answer

Only provide certificates for conditions lasting more than one week

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

The most senior person's opinion always prevails without discussion

Answer

Avoid raising disagreements to maintain team harmony

Answer

Report all disagreements to the Medical Council

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

There are no professional standards regarding social media use

Answer

Doctors may share patient cases publicly if they remove the patient's name

Answer

Social media use is completely prohibited for doctors in NZ