Ethics

Question 1

What is consent?

Answer 1

Consent is when a patient makes an informed decision to allow a treatment or procedure to take place.

Question 2

What is required for consent to be legal?

Answer 2

Consent must come from a person with capacity
The patient must be fully informed
The patient must not be manipulated or coerced into a decision
Consent must be given voluntarily

Question 3

What is capacity?

Answer 3

Capacity is the ability of the patient to make an informed decision, to understand their decision, communicate their decision and retain memory of this decision.

Question 4

Im what ways can a patient give their consent?

Answer 4

Verbally
Written
Implied

Question 5

Does a patient lack capacity if they make sn unwise or illogical decision?

Answer 5

No - not necessarily.

Question 6

In Scotland, from what age is capacity formally held by a person?

Answer 6

16

Question 7

When is it lawful to treat a patient who lacks capacity?

Answer 7

To provide life saving treatment in emergency situations or when there is a power of attorney in place to give consent on the patients behalf or when a parent gives consent on the behalf of a child without capacity

Question 8

What is utility?

Answer 8

This is used to describe interventions which are beneficial and tolerable

Question 9

What is futility?

Answer 9

This is used ti describe interventions which would be untolerable and harmful

Question 10

Does a doctor have a duty to carry out treatments which they regard as being futile?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

What is autonomy and respect for autonomy?

Answer 11

The attribute of self determination where patients engage in their own decision making
Respect for autonomy recognises self determination of the patient without interference

Question 12

Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn. T/F?

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Consent is specific to the proposed treatment or intervention only. T/F?

Answer 13

True

Question 14

Patients have a right to their own medical records. T/F?

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What is the maximum amount which can be charged for a patient to get a copy of their medical records?

Answer 15

£50

Question 16

In what situations can confidentiality be broken?

Answer 16

When DVLA needs to be inform that a patient is not fit to drive and the patient refuses to do this
To other colleagues involved in treatment of the patient
When court requests information
To the police when necessary and in the public interest