Situational Judgement Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the principle of autonomy in medical ethics?
Respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care.
What does beneficence mean in healthcare?
Acting in the best interest of the patient to promote their wellbeing.
What does non-maleficence refer to?
Avoiding harm to the patient.
What is the principle of justice in medical ethics?
Treating patients fairly and distributing healthcare resources equitably.
Is it appropriate for a medical student to ignore a colleague being rude to a patient?
Very inappropriate – professionalism includes addressing poor behaviour.
A patient asks a student doctor to keep a secret about self-harming. What is the best action?
Encourage the patient to seek help and explain the duty to escalate serious concerns.
A doctor accepts a gift from a grateful patient. Is this appropriate?
It depends on the value and context – small tokens may be acceptable, large gifts should be declined.
How should a student respond if they witness another student cheating in an exam?
Report the incident to the appropriate academic authority – honesty and integrity are essential.
GMC guidance: What are the 4 pillars of medical ethics?
Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Tip: How should you approach SJT questions where all answers seem reasonable?
Rank them based on which one is most in line with GMC guidance and patient safety priorities.
Is disclosing patient information without consent ever acceptable?
Only if it’s in the public interest or to prevent serious harm.
What is the best first step if you’re unsure how to handle an ethical dilemma?
Seek guidance from a senior or trusted professional.
How important is maintaining confidentiality in SJT scenarios?
Extremely important – it’s a core principle unless there’s a valid reason to breach it.
What should a student do if a patient asks for medical advice beyond their knowledge?
Politely explain their limitations and refer the patient to a qualified professional.
A colleague seems unwell and is making mistakes at work. What should you do?
Speak to them and/or escalate to a senior if patient safety is at risk.
