Good Medical Practice (2)

7/29/2019 Good Medical Practice (2)

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Good Medical Practice:

A Code of Conductfor Doctors in Australia

This code was endorsed by all Australian State and Territory

medical boards and the Australian Medical Council. It has been

adopted by the Medical Board of Australia after minor revisionsto ensure it is consistent with the Health Practitioner Regulation

National Law Act 2009 (the National Law). It is issued under s 39 of

the National Law.


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Good Medical Practice:A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia

1 About this code 1

1.1 Purposeofthecode 1

1.2 Useofthecode 1

1.3 Whatthecodedoesnotdo 1

1.4 Professionalvaluesandqualitiesofdoctors 1

1.5 AustraliaandAustralianmedicine 2

1.6 Substitutedecisionmakers 2

2 Providing good care 3

2.1 Introduction 3

2.2 Goodpatientcare 3

2.3 Shareddecisionmaking 3

2.4 Decisionsaboutaccesstomedicalcare 3

2.5 Treatmentinemergencies 4

3 Working with patients 5

3.1 Introduction 5

3.2 Doctorpatientpartnership 5

3.3 Effectivecommunication 5

3.4 Condentialityandprivacy 5

3.5 Informedconsent 5

3.6 Childrenandyoungpeople 6

3.7 Culturallysafeandsensitivepractice 6

3.8 Patientswhomayhaveadditionalneeds 6

3.9 Relatives,carersandpartners 6

3.10 Adverseevents 7

3.11 Whenacomplaintismade 7

3.12 End-of-lifecare 7

3.13 Endingaprofessionalrelationship 8

3.14 Personalrelationships 8

3.15 Closingyourpractice 8

4 Working with other health care professionals 9

4.1 Introduction 9

4.2 Respectformedicalcolleaguesandotherhealthcareprofessionals 9

4.3 Delegation,referralandhandover 9

4.4 Teamwork 9

4.5 Coordinatingcarewithotherdoctors 9

5 Working within the health care system 10

5.1 Introduction 10

5.3 Healthadvocacy 10

5.4 Publichealth 10

6 Minimising risk 11

6.1 Introduction 11

6.2 Riskmanagement 11

6.3 Doctorsperformance

youandyourcolleagues 11

7 Maintaining professional performance 12

7.1 Introduction 12

7.2 Continuingprofessionaldevelopment 12

8 Professional behaviour 13

8.1 Introduction 13

8.2 Professionalboundaries 13

8.3 Reportingobligations 13

8.4 Medicalrecords 13

Contents


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Contents

8.5 Insurance 13

8.6 Advertising 13

8.7 Medico-legal,insuranceandother

assessments 14

8.8 Medicalreports,certicatesandgivingevidence 14

8.9 Curriculumvitae 14

8.10 Investigations 14

8.11 Conictsofinterest 14

8.12 Financialandcommercialdealings 15

9 Ensuring doctors health 16

9.1 Introduction 16

9.2 Yourhealth 16

9.3 Otherdoctorshealth 16

10 Teaching, supervising and assessing 17

11 Undertaking research 18

11.1 Introduction 18

11.2 Researchethics 18

11.3 Treatingdoctorsandresearch 18

Acknowledgements 19


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1 About this code

1.1 Purpose of the code

Good Medical Practice (thecode)describeswhatis

expectedofalldoctorsregisteredtopractisemedicinein

Australia.Itsetsouttheprinciplesthatcharacterisegood

medicalpracticeandmakesexplicitthestandardsof

ethicalandprofessionalconductexpectedofdoctorsby

theirprofessionalpeersandthecommunity.Thecodewas

developedfollowingwideconsultationwiththemedical

professionandthecommunity.Thecodeisaddressedto

doctorsandisalsointendedtoletthecommunityknow

whattheycanexpectfromdoctors.Theapplicationofthe

codewillvaryaccordingtoindividualcircumstances,but

theprinciplesshouldnotbecompromised.

ThiscodecomplementstheAustralianMedicalAssociation

Code of Ethics1andisalignedwithitsvalues,andisalsoconsistentwiththeDeclaration ofGeneva and the

International Code of Medical Ethics,2issuedbytheWorld

MedicalAssociation.

Thiscodedoesnotsetnewstandards.Itbringstogether,

intoasingleAustraliancode,standardsthathavelong

beenatthecoreofmedicalpractice.

Thepracticeofmedicineischallengingandrewarding.Nocodeorguidelinescaneverencompasseverysituation

orreplacetheinsightandprofessionaljudgmentofgood

doctors.Goodmedicalpracticemeansusingthisjudgment

totrytopractiseinawaythatwouldmeetthestandards

expectedofyoubyyourpeersandthecommunity.

1.2 Use of the code

Doctorshaveaprofessionalresponsibilitytobefamiliar

withGood Medical Practiceandtoapplytheguidanceit

contains.

Thiscodewillbeused:

Tosupportindividualdoctorsinthechallengingtask

ofprovidinggoodmedicalcareandfulllingtheir

professionalroles,andtoprovideaframeworkto

guideprofessionaljudgment.

Toassistmedicalboardsintheirroleofprotecting

thepublic,bysettingandmaintainingstandards

ofmedicalpractice.Ifyourprofessionalconduct

variessignicantlyfromthisstandard,youshouldbe

preparedtoexplainandjustifyyourdecisionsand

actions.Seriousorrepeatedfailuretomeetthese

standardsmayhaveconsequencesforyourmedical

registration.

Asanadditionalresourceforarangeofusesthat

contributetoenhancingthecultureofmedicalprofessionalismintheAustralianhealthsystem;for

example,inmedicaleducation;orientation,induction

andsupervisionofjuniordoctorsandinternational

medicalgraduates;andbyadministratorsand

policymakersinhospitals,healthservicesandother

institutions.

1.3 What the code does not do

Thiscodeisnotasubstitutefortheprovisionsof

legislationandcaselaw.Ifthereisanyconictbetween

thiscodeandthelaw,thelawtakesprecedence.

Thiscodeisnotanexhaustivestudyofmedicalethics

oranethicstextbook.Itdoesnotaddressindetailthe

standardsofpracticewithinparticularmedicaldisciplines;

thesearefoundinthepoliciesandguidelinesissuedby

medicalcollegesandotherprofessionalbodies.

Whilegoodmedicalpracticerespectspatientsrights,this

codeisnotacharterofrights.31.4 Professional values and qualities of

doctors

Whileindividualdoctorshavetheirownpersonalbeliefsandvalues,therearecertainprofessionalvaluesonwhich

alldoctorsareexpectedtobasetheirpractice.

Doctorshaveadutytomakethecareofpatientstheirrst

concernandtopractisemedicinesafelyandeffectively.

Theymustbeethicalandtrustworthy.

Patientstrusttheirdoctorsbecausetheybelievethat,in

additiontobeingcompetent,theirdoctorwillnottake

advantageofthemandwilldisplayqualitiessuchas

integrity,truthfulness,dependabilityandcompassion.

Patientsalsorelyontheirdoctorstoprotecttheir

condentiality.

Doctorshavearesponsibilitytoprotectandpromotethehealthofindividualsandthecommunity.

Goodmedicalpracticeispatient-centred.Itinvolves

doctorsunderstandingthateachpatientisunique,and

workinginpartnershipwiththeirpatients,adaptingwhat

theydotoaddresstheneedsandreasonableexpectations

ofeachpatient.Thisincludesculturalawareness:being

awareoftheirowncultureandbeliefsandrespectfulof

thebeliefsandculturesofothers,recognisingthatthese

culturaldifferencesmayimpactonthedoctorpatient

relationshipandonthedeliveryofhealthservices.

Goodcommunicationunderpinseveryaspectofgood

medicalpractice.

1Seehttp://www.ama.com.au/codeofethics

2Seehttp://www.wma.net/e/policy/c8.htm3SeetheAustralianCommissiononSafetyandQualityinHealthCaresAustralianCharterofHealthcareRights(http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/internet/safety/

publishing.nsf/Content/52533CE922D6F58BCA2573AF007BC6F9/$File/17537-charter.pdf)


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Professionalismembodiesallthequalitiesdescribed

here,andincludesself-awarenessandself-reection.Doctorsareexpectedtoreectregularlyonwhetherthey

arepractisingeffectively,onwhatishappeningintheir

relationshipswithpatientsandcolleagues,andontheir

ownhealthandwellbeing.Theyhaveadutytokeeptheir

skillsandknowledgeuptodate,reneanddeveloptheir

clinicaljudgmentastheygainexperience,andcontribute

totheirprofession.

1.5 Australia and Australian medicine

Australiaisculturallydiverse.Weinhabitalandthat,

formanyages,washeldandcaredforbyIndigenous

Australians,whosehistoryandculturehaveuniquelyshapedournation.Oursocietyisfurtherenrichedbythe

contributionofpeoplefrommanynationswhohavemade

Australiatheirhome.

DoctorsinAustraliareecttheculturaldiversityofour

society,andthisdiversitystrengthensourprofession.

TherearemanywaystopractisemedicineinAustralia.

Thecoretasksofmedicinearecaringforpeoplewho

areunwellandseekingtokeeppeoplewell.Thiscode

focusesprimarilyonthesecoretasks.Forthedoctors

whoundertakerolesthathavelittleornopatientcontact,

notallofthiscodemayberelevant,buttheprinciplesunderpinningitwillstillapply.

1.6 Substitute decision makers

Inthiscode,referencetothetermpatientalsoincludes

substitutedecisionmakersforpatientswhodonothave

thecapacitytomaketheirowndecisions.Thiscanbethe

parents,oralegallyappointeddecisionmaker.Ifindoubt,

seekadvicefromtherelevantguardianshipauthority.


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2 Providing good care

2.1 Introduction

Inclinicalpractice,thecareofyourpatientisyourprimary

concern.Providinggoodpatientcareincludes:

2.1.1 Assessingthepatient,takingintoaccount

thehistory,thepatientsviews,andan

appropriatephysicalexamination.The

historyincludesrelevantpsychological,

socialandculturalaspects.

2.1.2 Formulatingandimplementingasuitable

managementplan(includingarranginginvestigationsandprovidingtreatmentand

advice).

2.1.3 Facilitatingcoordinationandcontinuityof

care.

2.1.4 Referringapatienttoanotherpractitioner

whenthisisinthepatientsbestinterests.

2.1.5 Recognisingandrespectingpatientsrights

tomaketheirowndecisions.

2.2 Good patient care

Maintainingahighlevelofmedicalcompetenceand

professionalconductisessentialforgoodpatientcare.

Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

2.2.1 Recognisingandworkingwithinthelimits

ofyourcompetenceandscopeofpractice.

2.2.2 Ensuringthatyouhaveadequate

knowledgeandskillstoprovidesafeclinical

care.

2.2.3 Maintainingadequaterecords(see

Section8.4).

2.2.4 Consideringthebalanceofbenetand

harminallclinical-managementdecisions.

2.2.5 Communicatingeffectivelywithpatients

(seeSection3.3).

2.2.6 Providingtreatmentoptionsbasedonthe

bestavailableinformation.

2.2.7 Takingstepstoalleviatepatientsymptoms

anddistress,whetherornotacureis

possible.

2.2.8 Supportingthepatientsrighttoseekasecondopinion.

2.2.9 Consultingandtakingadvicefrom

colleagues,whenappropriate.

2.2.10 Makingresponsibleandeffectiveuse

oftheresourcesavailabletoyou(seeSection5.2).

2.2.11 Encouragingpatientstotakeinterestin,

andresponsibilityfor,themanagementof

theirhealth,andsupportingtheminthis.

2.2.12 Ensuringthatyourpersonalviewsdonot

adverselyaffectthecareofyourpatient.

2.3 Shared decision making

Makingdecisionsabouthealthcareistheshared

responsibilityofthedoctorandthepatient.Patientsmay

wishtoinvolvetheirfamily,carerorothers.SeeSection1.6onsubstitutedecisionmakers.

2.4 Decisions about access to medicalcare

Yourdecisionsaboutpatientsaccesstomedicalcare

needtobefreefrombiasanddiscrimination.Good

medicalpracticeinvolves:

2.4.1 Treatingyourpatientswithrespectatall

times.

2.4.2 Notprejudicingyourpatientscarebecauseyoubelievethatapatientsbehaviourhas

contributedtotheircondition.

2.4.3 Upholdingyourdutytoyourpatientand

notdiscriminatingonmedicallyirrelevant

grounds,includingrace,religion,sex,

disabilityorothergrounds,asdescribedin

antidiscriminationlegislation.4

2.4.4 Givingprioritytoinvestigatingand

treatingpatientsonthebasisofclinical

needandeffectivenessoftheproposed

investigationsortreatment.2.4.5 Keepingyourselfandyourstaffsafewhen

caringforpatients.Ifapatientposesarisk

toyourhealthandsafetyorthatofyour

staff,takeactiontoprotectagainstthat

risk.Suchapatientshouldnotbedenied

care,ifreasonablestepscanbetakento

keepyouandyourstaffsafe.

2.4.6 Beingawareofyourrighttonotprovideor

directlyparticipateintreatmentstowhich

youconscientiouslyobject,informingyour

patientsand,ifrelevant,colleagues,ofyour

objection,andnotusingyourobjectionto

impedeaccesstotreatmentsthatarelegal.

4Seehttp://www.hreoc.gov.au/info_for_employers/law/index.html


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2.4.7 Notallowingyourmoralorreligiousviews

todenypatientsaccesstomedicalcare,recognisingthatyouarefreetodeclineto

personallyprovideorparticipateinthat

care.

2.5 Treatment in emergencies

Treatingpatientsinemergenciesrequiresdoctorsto

considerarangeofissues,inadditiontothepatientsbest

care.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolvesofferingassistance

inanemergencythattakesaccountofyourownsafety,

yourskills,theavailabilityofotheroptionsandtheimpact

onanyotherpatientsunderyourcare;andcontinuingto

providethatassistanceuntilyourservicesarenolongerrequired.


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3 Working with patients

3.1 Introduction

Relationshipsbasedonopenness,trustandgood

communicationwillenableyoutoworkinpartnershipwith

yourpatients.

3.2 Doctorpatient partnership

Agooddoctorpatientpartnershiprequireshighstandards

ofprofessionalconduct.Thisinvolves:

3.2.1 Beingcourteous,respectful,

compassionateandhonest.

3.2.2 Treatingeachpatientasanindividual.

3.2.3 Protectingpatientsprivacyandrightto

condentiality,unlessreleaseofinformation

isrequiredbylaworbypublic-interest

considerations.

3.2.4 Encouragingandsupportingpatientsand,

whenrelevant,theircarerorfamily,in

caringforthemselvesandmanagingtheir

health.

3.2.5 Encouragingandsupportingpatientstobewellinformedabouttheirhealthandto

usethisinformationwiselywhentheyare

makingdecisions.

3.2.6 Recognisingthatthereisapower

imbalanceinthedoctorpatient

relationship,andnotexploitingpatients

physically,emotionally,sexuallyor

nancially.

3.3 Effective communication

Animportantpartofthedoctorpatientrelationshipiseffectivecommunication.Thisinvolves:

3.3.1 Listeningtopatients,askingforand

respectingtheirviewsabouttheirhealth,

andrespondingtotheirconcernsand

preferences.

3.3.2 Encouragingpatientstotellyouabout

theirconditionandhowtheyarecurrently

managingit,includinganyalternativeor

complementarytherapiestheyareusing.

3.3.3 Informingpatientsofthenatureof,and

needfor,allaspectsoftheirclinicalmanagement,includingexamination

andinvestigations,andgivingthem

adequateopportunitytoquestionorrefuseinterventionandtreatment.

3.3.4 Discussingwithpatientstheircondition

andtheavailablemanagementoptions,

includingtheirpotentialbenetandharm.

3.3.5 Endeavouringtoconrmthatyourpatient

understandswhatyouhavesaid.

3.3.6 Ensuringthatpatientsareinformedofthe

materialrisksassociatedwithanypartof

theproposedmanagementplan.

3.3.7 Respondingtopatientsquestionsandkeepingtheminformedabouttheirclinical

progress.

3.3.8 Makingsure,whereverpractical,

thatarrangementsaremadetomeet

patientsspeciclanguage,culturaland

communicationneeds,andbeingawareof

howtheseneedsaffectunderstanding.

3.3.9 Familiarisingyourselfwith,andusing

whenevernecessary,qualiedlanguage

interpretersorculturalinterpreterstohelp

youtomeetpatientscommunication

needs.Informationaboutgovernment-

fundedinterpreterservicesisavailableon

theAustralianGovernmentDepartmentof

ImmigrationandCitizenshipwebsite.5

3.4 Condentiality and privacy

Patientshavearighttoexpectthatdoctorsandtheirstaff

willholdinformationaboutthemincondence,unless

releaseofinformationisrequiredbylaworpublicinterest

considerations.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

3.4.1 Treatinginformationaboutpatientsas

condential.

3.4.2 Appropriatelysharinginformationabout

patientsfortheirhealthcare,consistent

withprivacylawandprofessional

guidelinesaboutcondentiality.

3.4.3 Beingawarethattherearecomplexissues

relatedtogeneticinformationandseeking

appropriateadviceaboutdisclosureof

suchinformation.

3.5 Informed consent

Informedconsentisapersonsvoluntarydecision

aboutmedicalcarethatismadewithknowledgeand

5TheAustralianGovernmentDepartmentofImmigrationandCitizenshipsTranslatingandInterpretingService(TIS)Nationalcanbecontactedon131450,orvia

thewebsite(http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/help_with_translating/index.htm).


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understandingofthebenetsandrisksinvolved.The

informationthatdoctorsneedtogivetopatientsisdetailedinguidelinesissuedbytheNationalHealthandMedical

ResearchCouncil.6Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

3.5.1 Providinginformationtopatientsinaway

thattheycanunderstandbeforeaskingfor

theirconsent.

3.5.2 Obtaininginformedconsentorother

validauthoritybeforeyouundertakeany

examination,investigationorprovide

treatment(exceptinanemergency),or

beforeinvolvingpatientsinteachingor

research.

3.5.3 Ensuringthatyourpatientsareinformed

aboutyourfeesandcharges.

3.5.4 Whenreferringapatientforinvestigationor

treatment,advisingthepatientthatthere

maybeadditionalcosts,whichpatients

maywishtoclarifybeforeproceeding.

3.6 Children and young people

Caringforchildrenandyoungpeoplebringsadditional

responsibilitiesfordoctors.Goodmedicalpractice

involves:

3.6.1 Placingtheinterestsandwellbeingofthe

childoryoungpersonrst.

3.6.2 Ensuringthatyouconsideryoungpeoples

capacityfordecisionmakingandconsent.

3.6.3 Ensuringthat,whencommunicatingwitha

childoryoungperson,you:

treatthemwithrespectandlistento

theirviews

encouragequestionsandanswertheirquestionstothebestofyourability

provideinformationinawaythatthey

canunderstand

recognisetheroleofparentsandwhen

appropriate,encouragetheyoung

persontoinvolvetheirparentsin

decisionsabouttheircare.

3.6.4 Beingalerttochildrenandyoungpeople

whomaybeatrisk,andnotifying

appropriateauthorities,asrequiredbylaw.

3.7 Culturally safe and sensitive

practiceGoodmedicalpracticeinvolvesgenuineeffortsto

understandtheculturalneedsandcontextsofdifferent

patientstoobtaingoodhealthoutcomes.Thisincludes:

3.7.1 Havingknowledgeof,respectfor,and

sensitivitytowards,theculturalneedsof

thecommunityyouserve,includingthose

ofIndigenousAustralians.

3.7.2 Acknowledgingthesocial,economic,

culturalandbehaviouralfactorsinuencing

health,bothatindividualandpopulation

levels.

3.7.3 Understandingthatyourowncultureand

beliefsinuenceyourinteractionswith

patients.

3.7.4 Adaptingyourpracticetoimprovepatient

engagementandhealthcareoutcomes.

3.8 Patients who may have additionalneeds

Somepatients(includingthosewithimpaireddecision-

makingcapacity)haveadditionalneeds.Goodmedicalpracticeinmanagingthecareofthesepatientsinvolves:

3.8.1 Payingparticularattentionto

communication.

3.8.2 Beingawarethatincreasedadvocacymay

benecessarytoensurejustaccessto

healthcare.

3.8.3 Recognisingthattheremaybearange

ofpeopleinvolvedintheircare,suchas

carers,familymembersoraguardian,and

involvingthemwhenappropriate.

3.8.4 Beingawarethatthesepatientsmaybeat

greaterrisk.

3.9 Relatives, carers and partners


3.9.1 Beingconsideratetorelatives,carers,

partnersandothersclosetothepatient,

andrespectfuloftheirroleinthecareofthe

patient.

3.9.2 Withappropriateconsent,beingresponsive

inprovidinginformation.

6SeetheNationalHealthandMedicalResearchCouncilsdocuments, General Guidelines for Medical Practitioners on Providing Information to Patients(2004;

http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/e57syn.htm)and Communicating with Patients: Advice for Medical Practitioners(2004;http://www.nhmrc.gov.

au/publications/synopses/e58syn.htm)


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3.10 Adverse events

Whenadverseeventsoccur,youhavearesponsibility

tobeopenandhonestinyourcommunicationwith

yourpatient,toreviewwhathasoccurredandtoreport

appropriately.7Whensomethinggoeswrong,goodmedical

practiceinvolves:

3.10.1 Recognisingwhathashappened.

3.10.2 Actingimmediatelytorectifytheproblem,if

possible,includingseekinganynecessary

helpandadvice.

3.10.3 Explainingtothepatientaspromptlyand

fullyaspossiblewhathashappenedandtheanticipatedshort-termandlong-term

consequences.

3.10.4 Acknowledginganypatientdistressand

providingappropriatesupport.

3.10.5 Complyingwithanyrelevantpolicies,

proceduresandreportingrequirements,

subjecttoadvicefromyourmedical

indemnityinsurer.

3.10.6 Reviewingadverseeventsand

implementingchangestoreducetheriskof

recurrence(seeSection6).

3.10.7 Reportingadverseeventstotherelevant

authority,asnecessary(seeSection6).

3.10.8 Ensuringpatientshaveaccessto

informationabouttheprocessesfor

makingacomplaint(forexample,through

therelevanthealthcarecomplaints

commissionormedicalboard).

3.11 When a complaint is made

Patientswhoaredissatisedhavearighttocomplainabouttheircare.Whenacomplaintismade,goodmedical

practiceinvolves:

3.11.1 Acknowledgingthepatientsrightto

complain.

3.11.2 Workingwiththepatienttoresolvethe

issue,wherepossible.

3.11.3 Providingaprompt,openandconstructive

response,includinganexplanationand,if

appropriate,anapology.

3.11.4 Ensuringthecomplaintdoesnotadverselyaffectthepatientscare.Insomecases,

itmaybeadvisabletoreferthepatientto

anotherdoctor.

3.11.5 Complyingwithrelevantcomplaintslaw,

policiesandprocedures.

3.12 End-of-life care

Doctorshaveavitalroleinassistingthecommunitytodeal

withtherealityofdeathanditsconsequences.Incaring

forpatientstowardstheendoftheirlife,goodmedical

practiceinvolves:

3.12.1 Takingstepstomanageapatients

symptomsandconcernsinamanner

consistentwiththeirvaluesandwishes.

3.12.2 Providingorarrangingappropriatepalliative

care.

3.12.3 Understandingthelimitsofmedicinein

prolonginglifeandrecognisingwhenefforts

toprolonglifemaynotbenetthepatient.

3.12.4 Understandingthatyoudonothaveaduty

totrytoprolonglifeatallcost.However,

youdohaveadutytoknowwhennotto

initiateandwhentoceaseattemptsat

prolonginglife,whileensuringthatyour

patientsreceiveappropriaterelieffrom

distress.

3.12.5 Acceptingthatpatientshavetherightto

refusemedicaltreatmentortorequestthe

withdrawaloftreatmentalreadystarted.

3.12.6 Respectingdifferentculturalpractices

relatedtodeathanddying.

3.12.7 Strivingtocommunicateeffectivelywith

patientsandtheirfamiliessotheyareable

tounderstandtheoutcomesthatcanand

cannotbeachieved.

3.12.8 Facilitatingadvancecareplanning.

3.12.9 Takingreasonablestepstoensurethat

supportisprovidedtopatientsandtheir

families,evenwhenitisnotpossibleto

delivertheoutcometheydesire.

3.12.10Communicatingbadnewstopatientsand

theirfamiliesinthemostappropriateway

andprovidingsupportforthemwhilethey

dealwiththisinformation.

3.12.11Whenyourpatientdies,beingwillingto

explain,tothebestofyourknowledge,the

circumstancesofthedeathtoappropriate

membersofthepatientsfamilyandcarers,

unlessyouknowthepatientwouldhave

objected.

7Seehttp://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/internet/safety/publishing.nsf/Content/PriorityProgram-02


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3.13 Ending a professional relationship

Insomecircumstances,therelationshipbetweenadoctor

andpatientmaybecomeineffectiveorcompromised,and

youmayneedtoendit.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves

ensuringthatthepatientisadequatelyinformedofyour

decisionandfacilitatingarrangementsforthecontinuing

careofthepatient,includingpassingonrelevantclinical

information.

3.14 Personal relationships

Wheneverpossible,avoidprovidingmedicalcareto

anyonewithwhomyouhaveaclosepersonalrelationship.

Inmostcases,providingcaretoclosefriends,thoseyouworkwithandfamilymembersisinappropriatebecauseof

thelackofobjectivity,possiblediscontinuityofcare,and

riskstothedoctorandpatient.Insomecases,providing

caretothoseclosetoyouisunavoidable.Wheneverthisis

thecase,goodmedicalpracticerequiresrecognitionand

carefulmanagementoftheseissues.

3.15 Closing your practice

Whenclosingorrelocatingyourpractice,goodmedical

practiceinvolves:

3.15.1 Givingadvancenoticewherethisispossible.

3.15.2 Facilitatingarrangementsforthecontinuing

medicalcareofallyourcurrentpatients,

includingthetransferorappropriate

managementofallpatientrecords.You

mustfollowthelawgoverninghealth

recordsinyourjurisdiction.


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4 Working with other healthcare professionals

4.1 Introduction

Goodrelationshipswithmedicalcolleagues,nursesand

otherhealthcareprofessionalsstrengthenthedoctor

patientrelationshipandenhancepatientcare.

4.2 Respect for medical colleagues andother health care professionals

Goodpatientcareisenhancedwhenthereismutual

respectandclearcommunicationbetweenallhealthcareprofessionalsinvolvedinthecareofthepatient.Good


4.2.1 Communicatingclearly,effectively,

respectfullyandpromptlywithother

doctorsandhealthcareprofessionals

caringforthepatient.

4.2.2 Acknowledgingandrespectingthe

contributionofallhealthcareprofessionals

involvedinthecareofthepatient.

4.3 Delegation, referral and handoverDelegationinvolvesyouaskinganotherhealthcare

professionaltoprovidecareonyourbehalfwhileyouretain

overallresponsibilityforthepatientscare.Referralinvolves

yousendingapatienttoobtainopinionortreatment

fromanotherdoctororhealthcareprofessional.Referral

usuallyinvolvesthetransfer(inpart)ofresponsibilityfor

thepatientscare,usuallyforadenedtimeandfora

particularpurpose,suchascarethatisoutsideyourarea

ofexpertise.Handoveristheprocessoftransferringall

responsibilitytoanotherhealthcareprofessional.Good


4.3.1 Takingreasonablestepstoensurethat

thepersontowhomyoudelegate,refer

orhandoverhasthequalications,

experience,knowledgeandskillstoprovide

thecarerequired.

4.3.2 Understandingthatwhenyoudelegate,

althoughyouwillnotbeaccountablefor

thedecisionsandactionsofthosetowhom

youdelegate,youremainresponsiblefor

theoverallmanagementofthepatient,and

foryourdecisiontodelegate.

4.3.3 Alwayscommunicatingsufcientinformationaboutthepatientandthe

treatmenttheyneedtoenablethe

continuingcareofthepatient.

4.4 Teamwork

Mostdoctorsworkcloselywithawiderangeofhealth

careprofessionals.Thecareofpatientsisimprovedwhen

thereismutualrespectandclearcommunication,aswell

asanunderstandingoftheresponsibilities,capacities,

constraintsandethicalcodesofeachothersprofessions.

Workinginateamdoesnotalteradoctorspersonal

accountabilityforprofessionalconductandthecare

provided.Whenworkinginateam,goodmedicalpractice

involves:

4.4.1 Understandingyourparticularroleinthe

teamandattendingtotheresponsibilities

associatedwiththatrole.

4.4.2 Advocatingforacleardelineationofroles

andresponsibilities,includingthatthereis

arecognisedteamleaderorcoordinator.

4.4.3 Communicatingeffectivelywithotherteam

members.

4.4.4 Informingpatientsabouttherolesofteam

members.

4.4.5 Actingasapositiverolemodelforteam

members.

4.4.6 Understandingthenatureand

consequencesofbullyingandharassment,

andseekingtoeliminatesuchbehaviourin

theworkplace.

4.5 Coordinating care with otherdoctors

Goodpatientcarerequirescoordinationbetweenall

treatingdoctors.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

4.5.1 Communicatingalltherelevantinformation

inatimelyway.

4.5.2 Facilitatingthecentralcoordinatingroleof

thegeneralpractitioner.

4.5.3 Advocatingthebenetofageneral

practitionertoapatientwhodoesnot

alreadyhaveone.

4.5.4 Ensuringthatitiscleartothepatient,the

familyandcolleagueswhohasultimate

responsibilityforcoordinatingthecareof

thepatient.


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5 Working within the healthcare system

5.1 Introduction

Doctorshavearesponsibilitytocontributetothe

effectivenessandefciencyofthehealthcaresystem.

5.2 Wiseuseofhealthcareresources

Itisimportanttousehealthcareresourceswisely.


5.2.1 Ensuringthattheservicesyouprovideare

necessaryandlikelytobenetthepatient.5.2.2 Upholdingthepatientsrighttogainaccess

tothenecessarylevelofhealthcareand,

wheneverpossible,helpingthemtodoso.

5.2.3 Supportingthetransparentandequitable

allocationofhealthcareresources.

5.2.4 Understandingthatyouruseofresources

canaffecttheaccessotherpatientshave

tohealthcareresources.

5.3 Health advocacy

Therearesignicantdisparitiesinthehealthstatusof

differentgroupsintheAustraliancommunity.These

disparitiesresultfromsocial,cultural,geographic,health-

relatedandotherfactors.Inparticular,theIndigenous

peopleofAustraliabeartheburdenofgrosssocial,cultural

andhealthinequity.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolvesusing

yourexpertiseandinuencetoprotectandadvancethe

healthandwellbeingofindividualpatients,communities

andpopulations.

5.4 Public health

Doctorshavearesponsibilitytopromotethehealthofthecommunitythroughdiseasepreventionandcontrol,

educationandscreening.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

5.4.1 Understandingtheprinciplesofpublic

health,includinghealtheducation,health

promotion,diseasepreventionandcontrol

andscreening.

5.4.2 Participatingineffortstopromotethe

healthofthecommunityandbeingaware

ofyourobligationsindiseaseprevention,

screeningandreportingnotiablediseases.


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11

6 Minimising risk

6.1 Introduction

Riskisinherentinhealthcare.Minimisingrisktopatients

isanimportantcomponentofmedicalpractice.Good

medicalpracticeinvolvesunderstandingandapplyingthe

keyprinciplesofriskminimisationandmanagementin

yourpractice.

6.2 Risk management

Goodmedicalpracticeinrelationtoriskmanagement

involves:

6.2.1 Beingawareoftheimportanceof

theprinciplesofopendisclosureand

anonpunitiveapproachtoincident

management.

6.2.2 Participatinginsystemsofquality

assuranceandimprovement.

6.2.3 Participatinginsystemsforsurveillance

andmonitoringofadverseeventsandnear

misses,includingreportingsuchevents.

6.2.4 Ifyouhavemanagementresponsibilities,

makingsurethatsystemsareinplacefor

raisingconcernsaboutriskstopatients.

6.2.5 Workinginyourpracticeandwithin

systemstoreduceerrorandimprove

patientsafety,andsupportingcolleagues

whoraiseconcernsaboutpatientsafety.

6.2.6 Takingallreasonablestepstoaddress

theissueifyouhavereasontothinkthat

patientsafetymaybecompromised.

6.3 Doctors performance you andyour colleagues

Thewelfareofpatientsmaybeputatriskifadoctoris

performingpoorly.Ifyouconsiderthereisarisk,good


6.3.1 Complyingwithanystatutoryreporting

requirements,includingthemandatory

reportingrequirementsundertheNational

Law.8

6.3.2 Recognisingandtakingstepsto

minimisetherisksoffatigue,including

complyingwithrelevantStateandTerritory

occupationalhealthandsafetylegislation.

6.3.3 Ifyouknoworsuspectthatyouhavea

healthconditionthatcouldadverselyaffect

yourjudgmentorperformance,following

theguidanceinSection9.2.

6.3.4 Takingstepstoprotectpatientsfromrisk

posedbyacolleaguesconduct,practiceorillhealth.

6.3.5 Takingappropriatestepstoassistyour

colleaguetoreceivehelpifyouhave

concernsaboutacolleaguesperformance

ortnesstopractise.

6.3.6 Ifyouarenotsurewhattodo,seeking

advicefromanexperiencedcolleague,

youremployer,doctorshealthadvisory

services,professionalindemnityinsurers,

theMedicalBoardofAustraliaora

professionalorganisation.

7Part8Division2ss140143,Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009(theNationalLaw)


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7 Maintaining professionalperformance

7.1 Introduction

Maintaininganddevelopingyourknowledge,skillsand

professionalbehaviourarecoreaspectsofgoodmedical

practice.Thisrequiresself-reectionandparticipationin

relevantprofessionaldevelopment,practiceimprovement

andperformance-appraisalprocesses,tocontinually

developyourprofessionalcapabilities.Theseactivities

mustcontinuethroughoutyourworkinglife,asscienceand

technologydevelopandsocietychanges.

7.2 Continuing professionaldevelopment

TheMedialBoardofAustraliahasestablishedregistration

standardsthatsetouttherequirementsforcontinuing

professionaldevelopmentandforrecencyofpractice

undertheNationalLaw.9

Developmentofyourknowledge,skillsandprofessional

behaviourmustcontinuethroughoutyourworkinglife.


7.2.1 Keepingyourknowledgeandskillsupto

date.

7.2.2 Participatingregularlyinactivitiesthat

maintainandfurtherdevelopyour

knowledge,skillsandperformance.

7.2.3 Ensuringthatyourpracticemeetsthe

standardsthatwouldbereasonably

expectedbythepublicandyourpeers.

7.2.4 Regularlyreviewingyourcontinuing

medicaleducationandcontinuing

professionaldevelopmentactivitiesto

ensurethattheymeettherequirementsoftheMedicalBoardofAustralia.

7.2.5 Ensuringthatyourpersonalcontinuing

professionaldevelopmentprogram

includesself-directedandpractice-based

learning.

7Section38(1)(c)and(e)oftheNationalLawandregistrationstandardsissuedbytheMedicalBoardofAustralia.


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13

8 Professional behaviour

8.1 Introduction

Inprofessionallife,doctorsmustdisplayastandard

ofbehaviourthatwarrantsthetrustandrespectofthe

community.Thisincludesobservingandpractisingthe

principlesofethicalconduct.

Theguidancecontainedinthissectionemphasisesthe

corequalitiesandcharacteristicsofgooddoctorsoutlined

inSection1.4.

8.2 Professional boundaries

Professionalboundariesareintegraltoagooddoctor

patientrelationship.Theypromotegoodcareforpatients

andprotectbothparties.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

8.2.1 Maintainingprofessionalboundaries.

8.2.2 Neverusingyourprofessionalpositionto

establishorpursueasexual,exploitative

orotherinappropriaterelationshipwith

anybodyunderyourcare.Thisincludes

thoseclosetothepatient,suchastheir

carer,guardianorspouseortheparentofa

childpatient.

8.2.3 Avoidingexpressingyourpersonalbeliefs

toyourpatientsinwaysthatexploittheir

vulnerabilityorthatarelikelytocausethem

distress.

8.3 Reporting obligations

DoctorshavestatutoryobligationsundertheNational

Lawtoreportvariousproceedingsorndingstothe

MedicalBoardofAustralia.10Theyalsohaveprofessional

obligationstoreporttothemedicalboardandtheir

employeriftheyhavehadanylimitationsplacedontheir

practice.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

8.3.1 Beingawareofthesereportingobligations.

8.3.2 Complyingwithanyreportingobligations

thatapplytoyourpractice.

8.3.3 Seekingadvicefromthemedicalboardor

yourprofessionalindemnityinsurerifyou

areunsureaboutyourobligations.

8.4 Medical records

Maintainingclearandaccuratemedicalrecordsisessentialforthecontinuinggoodcareofpatients.Goodmedical

practiceinvolves:

8.4.1 Keepingaccurate,up-to-dateand

legiblerecordsthatreportrelevantdetailsofclinicalhistory,clinical

ndings,investigations,information

giventopatients,medicationandother

management.

8.4.2 Ensuringthatyourmedicalrecordsare

heldsecurelyandarenotsubjectto

unauthorisedaccess.

8.4.3 Ensuringthatyourmedicalrecordsshow

respectforyourpatientsanddonotinclude

demeaningorderogatoryremarks.

8.4.4 Ensuringthattherecordsaresufcienttofacilitatecontinuityofpatientcare.

8.4.5 Makingrecordsatthetimeoftheevents,or

assoonaspossibleafterwards.

8.4.6 Recognisingpatientsrighttoaccess

informationcontainedintheirmedical

recordsandfacilitatingthataccess.

8.4.7 Promptlyfacilitatingthetransferofhealth

informationwhenrequestedbythepatient.

8.5 InsuranceYouhaveaprofessionalobligationtoensurethatyour

practiceisappropriatelycoveredbyprofessionalindemnity

insurance.Youmustmeettherequirementssetoutinthe

RegistrationStandardforProfessionalIndemnityInsurance

establishedbytheMedicalBoardofAustraliaunderthe

NationalLaw.11

8.6 Advertising

Advertisementsformedicalservicescanbeusefulin

providinginformationforpatients.Alladvertisementsmust

conformtorelevantconsumerprotectionlegislation,the

advertisingprovisionsintheNationalLawandAdvertising

GuidelinesissuedbytheMedicalBoardofAustralia.12


8.6.1 Makingsurethatanyinformationyou

publishaboutyourmedicalservicesis

factualandveriable.

8.6.2 Makingonlyjustiableclaimsaboutthe

qualityoroutcomesofyourservicesinany

informationyouprovidetopatients.

8.6.3 Notguaranteeingcures,exploitingpatients

vulnerabilityorfearsabouttheirfuturehealth,orraisingunrealisticexpectations.

10Sections140143oftheNationalLaw

11Section38(1)(a)oftheNationalLawandtheregistrationstandardissuedbytheMedicalBoardofAustralia

12Section133ofNationalLawandAdvertising Guidelines issuedbytheMedicalBoardofAustralia


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14

8.6.4 Notofferinginducementsorusing

testimonials.8.6.5 Notmakingunfairorinaccurate

comparisonsbetweenyourservicesand

thoseofcolleagues.

8.7 Medico-legal, insurance and otherassessments

Whenyouarecontractedbyathirdpartytoprovidea

medico-legal,insuranceorotherassessment13ofaperson

whoisnotyourpatient,theusualtherapeuticdoctor

patientrelationshipdoesnotexist.Inthissituation,good


8.7.1 Applyingthestandardsofprofessional

behaviourdescribedinthiscodetothe

assessment;inparticular,beingcourteous,

alerttotheconcernsoftheperson,and

ensuringthatyouhavethepersons

consent.

8.7.2 Explainingtothepersonyourareaof

medicalpractice,yourrole,andthe

purpose,natureandextentofthe

assessmenttobeconducted.

8.7.3 Anticipatingandseekingtocorrectanymisunderstandingsthatthepersonmay

haveaboutthenatureandpurposeofyour

assessmentandreport.

8.7.4 Providinganimpartialreport(see

Section8.8).

8.7.5 Recognisingthat,ifyoudiscoveran

unrecognised,seriousmedicalproblem

duringyourassessment,youhaveaduty

ofcaretoinformthepatientortheirtreating

doctor.

8.8 Medical reports, certicates andgiving evidence

Thecommunityplacesagreatdealoftrustindoctors.

Consequently,doctorshavebeengiventheauthorityto

signavarietyofdocuments,suchasdeathcerticatesand

sicknesscerticates,ontheassumptionthattheywillonly

signstatementsthattheyknow,orreasonablybelieve,to

betrue.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

8.8.1 Beinghonestandnotmisleadingwhen

writingreportsandcerticates,andonly

signingdocumentsyoubelievetobeaccurate.

8.8.2 Takingreasonablestepstoverifythe

contentbeforeyousignareportor

certicate,andnotomittingrelevant

informationdeliberately.8.8.3 Preparingorsigningdocumentsand

reportsifyouhaveagreedtodoso,within

areasonableandjustiabletimeframe.

8.8.4 Makingclearthelimitsofyourknowledge

andnotgivingopinionbeyondthoselimits

whenprovidingevidence.

8.9 Curriculum vitae

Whenprovidingcurriculumvitae,goodmedicalpractice

involves:

8.9.1 Providingaccurate,truthfulandveriable

informationaboutyourexperienceandyour

medicalqualications.

8.9.2 Notmisrepresenting,bymisstatementor

omission,yourexperience,qualicationsor

position.

8.10 Investigations

Doctorshaveresponsibilitiesandrightsrelatingtoany

legitimateinvestigationoftheirpracticeorthatofa

colleague.Inmeetingtheseresponsibilities,itisadvisabletoseeklegaladviceoradvicefromyourprofessional

indemnityinsurer.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

8.10.1 Cooperatingwithanylegitimateinquiry

intothetreatmentofapatientandwithany

complaintsprocedurethatappliestoyour

work.

8.10.2 Disclosing,toanyoneentitledtoaskfor

it,informationrelevanttoaninvestigation

intoyourownoracolleaguesconduct,

performanceorhealth.

8.10.3 Assistingthecoronerwhenaninquestorinquiryisheldintoapatientsdeath

byrespondingtotheirenquiriesandby

offeringallrelevantinformation.

8.11 Conicts of interest

Patientsrelyontheindependenceandtrustworthinessof

doctorsforanyadviceortreatmentoffered.Aconictof

interestinmedicalpracticeariseswhenadoctor,entrusted

withactingintheinterestsofapatient,alsohasnancial,

professionalorpersonalinterests,orrelationshipswith

thirdparties,whichmayaffecttheircareofthepatient.

Multipleinterestsarecommon.Theyrequireidentication,

carefulconsideration,appropriatedisclosureand

accountability.Whentheseinterestscompromise,ormight

10SeeIndependent Medical Assessments on Behalf of Parties Other Than the Patient1998(revised2002)(http://www.ama.com.au/node/510)


18/22


15

reasonablybeperceivedbyanindependentobserverto

compromise,thedoctorsprimarydutytothepatient,doctorsmustrecogniseandresolvethisconictinthebest

interestsofthepatient.


8.11.1 Recognisingpotentialconictsofinterest

thatmayariseinrelationtoinitiatingor

continuingaprofessionalrelationshipwith

apatient.

8.11.2 Actinginyourpatientsbestinterestswhen

makingreferralsandwhenprovidingor

arrangingtreatmentorcare.

8.11.3 Informingpatientswhenyouhavean

interestthatcouldaffect,orcouldbe

perceivedtoaffect,patientcare.

8.11.4 Recognisingthatpharmaceuticalandother

medicalmarketinginuencesdoctors,and

beingawareofwaysinwhichyourpractice

maybebeinginuenced.

8.11.5 Recognisingpotentialconictsofinterest

inrelationtomedicaldevicesand

appropriatelymanaginganyconictthat

arisesinyourpractice.

8.11.6 Notaskingfororacceptingany

inducement,giftorhospitalityofmorethan

trivialvalue,fromcompaniesthatsellor

marketdrugsorappliancesthatmayaffect,

orbeseentoaffect,thewayyouprescribe

for,treatorreferpatients.

8.11.7 Notaskingfororacceptingfeesfor

meetingsalesrepresentatives.

8.11.8 Notofferinginducementstocolleagues,or

enteringintoarrangementsthatcouldbe

perceivedtoprovideinducements.

8.11.9 Notallowinganynancialorcommercial

interestinahospital,otherhealthcare

organisation,orcompanyprovidinghealth

careservicesorproductstoadversely

affectthewayinwhichyoutreatpatients.

Whenyouoryourimmediatefamilyhave

suchaninterestandthatinterestcouldbe

perceivedtoinuencethecareyouprovide,

youmustinformyourpatient.

8.12 Financial and commercial dealings

Doctorsmustbehonestandtransparentinnancial

arrangementswithpatients.Goodmedicalpractice

involves:

8.12.1 Notexploitingpatientsvulnerabilityorlack

ofmedicalknowledgewhenprovidingor

recommendingtreatmentorservices.

8.12.2 Notencouragingpatientstogive,lendor

bequeathmoneyorgiftsthatwillbenet

youdirectlyorindirectly.

8.12.3 Avoidingnancialinvolvement,suchas

loansandinvestmentschemes,withpatients.

8.12.4 Notpressuringpatientsortheirfamilies

tomakedonationstootherpeopleor

organisations.

8.12.5 Beingtransparentinnancialand

commercialmattersrelatingtoyourwork,

includinginyourdealingswithemployers,

insurersandotherorganisationsor

individuals.Inparticular:

declaringanyrelevantandmaterial

nancialorcommercialinterestthat

youoryourfamilymighthaveinany

aspectofthepatientscare

declaringtoyourpatientsyour

professionalandnancialinterestin

anyproductyoumightendorseorsell

fromyourpractice,andnotmaking

anunjustiableprotfromthesaleor

endorsement.


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16

9 Ensuring doctors health

9.1 Introduction

Asadoctor,itisimportantforyoutomaintainyourown

healthandwellbeing.Thisincludesseekinganappropriate

worklifebalance.

9.2 Your health


9.2.1 Havingageneralpractitioner.

9.2.2 Seekingindependent,objectiveadvice

whenyouneedmedicalcare,andbeing

awareoftherisksofself-diagnosisand

self-treatment.

9.2.3 Makingsurethatyouareimmunised

againstrelevantcommunicablediseases.

9.2.4 ConformingtothelegislationinyourState

orTerritoryinrelationtoself-prescribing.

9.2.5 Recognisingtheimpactoffatigueonyour

healthandyourabilitytocareforpatients,

andendeavouringtoworksafehours

whereverpossible.

9.2.6 Beingawareofthedoctorshealthprogram

inyourStateorTerritoryifyouneedadvice

onwheretoseekhelp.

9.2.7 Ifyouknoworsuspectthatyouhave

ahealthconditionorimpairmentthat

couldadverselyaffectyourjudgment,

performanceoryourpatientshealth:

notrelyingonyourownassessmentof

theriskyouposetopatients

consultingyourdoctoraboutwhether,andinwhatways,youmayneedto

modifyyourpractice,andfollowingthe

doctorsadvice.

9.3 Other doctors health

Doctorshavearesponsibilitytoassistmedicalcolleagues

tomaintaingoodhealth.Allhealthprofessionalshave

responsibilitiesincertaincircumstancesformandatory

noticationundertheNationalLaw.14Goodmedical

practiceinvolves:

9.3.1 Providingdoctorswhoareyourpatientswiththesamequalityofcareyouwould

providetootherpatients.

9.3.2 NotifyingtheMedicalBoardofAustraliaif

youaretreatingadoctorwhoseabilitytopractisemaybeimpairedandmaythereby

beplacingpatientsatrisk.Thisisalways

aprofessional,andinsomejurisdictions,a

statutory,responsibility.

9.3.3 Encouragingacolleague(whomyouare

nottreating)toseekappropriatehelpif

youbelievetheymaybeillandimpaired.

Ifyoubelievethisimpairmentisputting

patientsatrisk,notifytheMedicalBoardof

Australia.Itmayalsobewisetoreportyour

concernstothedoctorsemployerandtoa

doctorshealthprogram.

9.3.4 Recognisingtheimpactoffatigueonthe

healthofcolleagues,includingthoseunder

yoursupervision,andfacilitatingsafe

workinghourswhereverpossible.

14Sections140143oftheNationalLawandMandatory Reporting GuidelinesissuedbytheMedicalBoardofAustralia.


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17

10 Teaching, supervising andassessing

10.1 Introduction

Teaching,supervisingandmentoringdoctorsandmedical

studentsisimportantfortheirdevelopmentandfor

thecareofpatients.Itispartofgoodmedicalpractice

tocontributetotheseactivitiesandprovidesupport,

assessment,feedbackandsupervisionforcolleagues,

doctorsintrainingandstudents.

10.2 Teaching and supervising


10.2.1 Seekingtodeveloptheskills,attitudesand

practicesofaneffectiveteacher,whenever

youareinvolvedinteaching.

10.2.2 Makingsurethatanydoctorormedical

studentforwhosesupervisionyouare

responsiblereceivesadequateoversight

andfeedback.

10.3 Assessing colleagues

Assessingcolleaguesisanimportantpartofmakingsurethatthehigheststandardsofmedicalpracticeare

achieved.Goodmedicalpracticeinvolves:

10.3.1 Beinghonest,objectiveandconstructive

whenassessingtheperformanceof

colleagues,includingstudents.Patientswill

beputatriskifyoudescribeascompetent

someonewhoisnot.

10.3.2 Providingaccurateandjustiable

informationwhengivingreferencesor

writingreportsaboutcolleagues.Do

sopromptlyandincludeallrelevantinformation.

10.4 Medical students

Medicalstudentsarelearninghowbesttocarefor

patients.Creatingopportunitiesforlearningimprovestheir

clinicalpracticeandnurturesthefutureworkforce.Good


10.4.1 Treatingyourstudentswithrespectand

patience.

10.4.2 Makingthescopeofthestudentsrolein

patientcarecleartothestudent,topatients

andtoothermembersofthehealthcare

team.

10.4.3 Informingyourpatientsaboutthe

involvementofmedicalstudents,andencouragingtheirconsentforstudent

participationwhilerespectingtheirrightto

choosenottoconsent.


21/22


22/22


Acknowledgements

TheMedicalBoardofAustraliaacknowledgestheworkof

theAustralianMedicalCouncil(AMC)indevelopingthis

code.

Inthersteditionofthecode,theAustralianMedical

Councilacknowledgedtheworkinggroupthatguided

thedevelopmentofthecode;thecontributionofthe

organisationsandindividualswhosethoughtfulfeedback

informeditsdevelopment;thecontributionofthe

AustralianGovernmentDepartmentofHealthandAgeing

totheextensiveconsultationprocessthatsupportedit;

andStateandTerritorymedicalboardsthatendorsedit.

Indevelopingthiscode,theAMCconsideredanddrew

onbothgeneralandspecicinformationaboutstandards

fromcodesofgoodmedicalpracticeissuedbyAustralian

StateandTerritorymedicalboardsandtheAustralian

MedicalAssociationCode of Ethics.Theprocesswas

alsoinformedbysimilardocumentsissuedbytheGeneral

MedicalCounciloftheUnitedKingdom,theMedical

CouncilofNewZealand,theNationalAllianceforPhysician

CompetenceintheUnitedStatesandtheRoyalCollegeof

PhysiciansandSurgeonsinCanada.Inaddition,sections

ofthecodewereinformedbyrelevantguidelinesissued

bytheNationalHealthandMedicalResearchCounciland

byguidelinesdevelopedbyspecialistmedicalcollegesinAustraliaandNewZealand.

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