Tips for young practitioners
Q & A Webinar 23 April 2015
Can we send patient records through email /fax to another dental clinic or to the patient themselves? And if so, how should this be done?
Transfer of patient records by any electronic means may lead to a risk of unauthorised access and or incorrect addressee/address details so be aware of the risk of breach of privacy and confidentiality. The Medical & Dental Board codes at 8 Professional Behaviour 8.4 Medical Records 8.4.2 states:
Ensuring that your medical records are held securely and are not subject to unauthorised access
Responding to the growing use of email in particular the RACGP the following resources to assist practices including Guiding principles on using email in general practice, Privacy and security matrix and secure communications in general practice – product list, found at www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/e-health/protecting-information/email/ This resources are useful for all practitioners.
Email and other electronic means of communication can assist in the timely and efficient delivery of health care to benefit patients and the wider community however members need to be cognisant that such new modalities may create new and additional risk exposures.
If a member is unsure about such issues or the use of email, contact the MIPS 24/7 clinico legal support line
You mentioned the four domains to interviewing and cv strategies. How would you present experience in the domain as a health promoter?
Demonstrating that you have an active interest in promoting and assisting in health issues above and beyond your normal official duties is recommended. Areas such as volunteer work, may be a hospital fun run, any charitable work with a health basis are examples. This would assist in showing that you are a leader and taking on a role as a professional and creating your own identity.
What about the use of texting for communications with patients?
Similar issues to email/fax as above. Again this is becoming more prevalent and certainly advisable not to use such methods if you are required to disclose any sensitive material to your patients. Can be useful for reminders and general information. Please check whether your hospital/employer has any protocols or policies on these type of issues before you undertake such methods.
Erring on the side of caution for all electronic communication you could first send a test communication asking for an acknowledgement , and if this comes through, uses redial or reply to ensure secure transmissions.
Does hospital indemnity typically cover unpaid overtime work in the workplace, outside of rostered hours? Does MIPS cover this?
Unless directed otherwise by the employer (ie specifically ordered not to work outside of remunerated work hours) then in the situation as above the practitioner will be undertaking the provision of healthcare as an ‘employee’ (ie in their employed role).
As such the employer has a vicarious liability for the employee as per during normal ‘paid’ working hours. MIPS would assist the member in ensuring that the employer met this common law principal of vicarious liability.
Is it appropriate to take photos of a patient's pathology if consent was gained from the patient?
This is now quite a common occurrence in the public system. Follow your hospital /employer procedures and protocols. Often used in order to send a second opinion where or when that is not otherwise feasible. . Always best to gain the consent of the patient and if using your own electronic devices best to delete afterwards. Some hospital administrations can process these for you and will the ensure included on patients record. An excellent resource exists in the “Clinical images and the use of personal mobile devices” – a guide for medical students and doctors – AMA.
I am an intern. I found it hard to be able to get hands on experience at the public hospital I am currently working at because there are 2 consultants, 1 registrar and 1 JHO. Therefore, the reg and JHO has first 'dibs' on attending clinics and assessing patients. What is your advice for me (intern) to get more involved and hands on experience?
This is indeed a difficult situation but best strategy would be to express your concern with your supervisors and your eagerness and willingness to gain more hands on experience. Speak to your Registrar and ask could you attend a clinic and sit in or even see patients. To show your interest when relaying symptoms and your findings always express a management plan. Often this will be wrong but it demonstrates your eagerness to assist and learn.