Ten ethical dilemmas of 2016 – what would you do?
bladder pains consultation 3×2
A patient won’t see a ‘non-white’ GP
A patient asks for an appointment, but when told which GP they are seeing, they say they won’t accept a ‘non-white’ GP. What should we do at the practice?
Can I insist patients get vitamin D over the counter?
If a patient comes to me and asks to get vitamin D on the NHS, can you insist they get it over the counter?
Can we issue private prescriptions to NHS patients?
Three experts advise a GP who is wondering whether he can help patients save money by sometimes prescribing on a private basis.
Do I have to refer a patient for homeopathy?
A patient with disseminated malignancy has asked for referral to a hospital for integrated care with a view to homeopathy. I don’t believe homeopathy is an effective treatment or in her best interest. How should I respond?
Do we continue prescribing BP drugs without review?
Three experts advise on whether a GP should stop the medication of a patient who repeatedly fails to attend the practice.
What do I do if a patient forges a sick note?
I have discovered that one of my patients has forged my signature on a sick note. What do I do?
Can I allow access to a deceased patient’s notes?
A family member of one of my patients who has recently died wants to see the deceased patient’s medical record. Should I give it to them?
How do I encourage a patient to see our pharmacist?
Four experts advise a GP whose patients are showing reluctance to see their new practice pharmacist.
Do I have to record drug taking in a patient’s notes?
A patient doesn’t want me to document a history of cannabis smoking in their notes. How should I respond?
How should we respond to negative comments on social media?
Our practice has been receiving negative comments on social media. How should we deal with this?
