Eight in ten doctors are concerned online medical records will increase workload, MPS survey reveals
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A survey by the Medical Protection Society (MPS) reveals that 84% of doctors think that online records will mean spending more time explaining the contents of records to patients. Although doctors and the public agree the most important use of medical records is to give the doctor an overview of all the medical treatments a patient has received, there is a mismatch in expectations about how records should be written.
More than half of UK practices have removed patients from their practice list in the last three years. Medicolegal adviser Dr Jayne Molodynski investigates
MPS Director of Policy and Communications, Dr Stephanie Bown, fears that a duty of candour proposed for GPs will not inspire the cultural change the NHS requires
Stephanie Varah, Chief Executive of the National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP) shares the benefits of building a partnership with your patients
MPS survey on CCGs reveals 59% of GPs and Practice Managers see conflicts of interest as the main concern
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A survey of healthcare professionals by medical indemnity provider the Medical Protection Society (MPS) has revealed concerns that Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) will expose doctors to accusations of conflicting interests as the role of GP changes.
The GMC states that “doctors play a crucial role in protecting children from abuse and neglect”. Child maltreatment includes neglect and physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The following frequently asked questions are designed to advise MPS members what to do and who to contact, should they suspect children are at risk of, or are experiencing, harm.
As an expert you should be aiming to produce a report which is free standing – from which the reader can glean the key issues in the case, understand the evidence available and reach a clear understanding of the range of expert opinion, without needing to look at any other document.
Some years ago we teamed up with the UK’s leading provider of workplace advice to provide the Croner helpline to our Practice Xtra members. Louise Barnes, Senior Employment Consultant at Croner, reveals the top five workplace issues.
Respect for patients’ autonomy is expressed in consent law; to impose care or treatment on people without respecting their wishes and right to self-determination is not only unethical, but illegal.
The GMC states that “Whether or not you have vulnerable children or young people as patients, you should consider their needs and welfare and offer them help if you think their rights have been abused or denied.” Surgery consultations, home visits, accident and emergency admissions and contact with other professionals who work with children help to build up a picture of a child’s situation.
MPS maintains that a culture of openness is more effective than ‘tick box’ legislation
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Following the Government’s response to the Francis report today, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is pleased that time and care is being taken to consider whether a statutory duty of candour on individuals should be introduced. However, MPS continues to highlight its belief that high quality and effective openness in healthcare can only be achieved through a cultural shift, not legislation.
Good Medical Practice means doctors never off duty – MPS response to GMC guidance
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Commenting on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) updated version of Good Medical Practice, published today (25 March), Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications at the Medical Protection Society (MPS) said, 'Upholding professional values is at the heart of the GMC’s guidance and it’s only right that doctors take the lead in ensuring high quality, safe care, especially for vulnerable patients.
Prostate cancer is the sixth most common cancer claim, says MPS
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As March is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) is reminding GPs to keep the disease front of mind, especially as there is no national screening for prostate cancer, which is predicted to become UK’s most common cancer by 2030.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2001), GPs have a responsibility for controlled drugs (CDs) within their practice. This factsheet highlights what you should be aware of when carrying, storing and recording controlled drugs.
Technology highlighted as a key factor across risks in general practices
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Technology highlighted as a key factor across risks in general practices The top risks in general practice have been identified based on data collected by the Medical Protection Society (MPS) from more than 120 general practices in the UK.
Online medical records a ‘Pandora’s Box’ – MPS survey reveals security fears
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Following a survey of doctors and the public, the Medical Protection Society (MPS) compares the plans for online medical records to opening a ‘Pandora’s Box’, unless there are proper safeguards in place to protect patient confidentiality. The organisation is concerned that when access is granted, it could have unintended and severe consequences, such as sensitive information being accessed by a patient’s family members.
Doctors may, on occasion, receive a request from a patient’s employer for a medical report to be delivered directly to the HR department, without the patient seeing it. However, before any medical report can be provided, you must be satisfied that the patient has given valid consent to the release of the information. This factsheet looks at the issues surrounding medical reports for employers and other organisations, and offers advice to doctors who are asked to write reports.
Parents at war over child’s medical records – MPS reveals figures on ‘Divorce Day’
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The Medical Protection Society (MPS) reveals the rising number of calls on parents warring over a child’s medical records – a record 179 calls last year – on ‘Divorce Day’ (4 January). The figures work out at one phone call every other day from GPs seeking advice from MPS.
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