Professional Boundaries

Question 1

What is the (UK) legal framework for assisting in emergency situations?

Answer 1

No legal obligation, unless Duty of Care is established

Question 2

Are there any non-legal considerations to be taken into account in emergency situations?

Answer 2

Professional Obligation (GMC)
Take into account: own safety, own competence, alternative options

Question 3

What are the ethical principles underpinning assisting in Emergencies?

Answer 3

Duty: Duty of Care (if identified), Moral Duty (raised because of professional standing)
Benefit: Doctor’s skills are more likely to cause benefit
Virtue Ethics: compassion is expected of good doctors

Question 4

What does the GMC say about prescribing outside your normal professional relationship?

Answer 4

You MUST avoid prescribing for yourself or anyone close to you

Question 5

What does the GMC say about treatment outside of the normal professional relationship?

Answer 5

Avoid providing any medical care for those close to you

Question 6

What are the reasons not to treat people outside the normal professional relationship?

Answer 6

Emotional compromise
Confidentiality
Awkwardness with sensitive topics
Inferior clinical assessment

Question 7

What does the GMC say about the link between personal and professional behaviour?

Answer 7

Your personal conduct must justify patient’s trust in you and the profession