Ethics

Question 1

What is the Bolam principle?

Answer 1

That a medical professional is not considered negligent if his practice reflects that of an accepted body of responsible medical opinion at that time

Question 2

What is the Roe ruling?

Answer 2

That a defendant may not be liable provided he acted in accordance with medical knowledge available at the time of the incident rather than the time of the trial.

Question 3

What is the Janaway principle?

Answer 3

Doctors who object to participating or being involved in the process of termination of pregnancies should make these opinions known to patients and give them an opportunity to see another clinician without undue delay if that is what the patient desires.

Question 4

What are the criteria re: contraception that need to be satisfied in the Fraser ruling when deeming Gillick competency?

Answer 4

1. That the girl (although under the age of 16 years of age) will understand advice;
2. That they cannot persuade her to inform her parents or to allow them to inform the parents that she is seeking
   contraceptive advice;
3. That she is very likely to continue having sexual intercourse with or without contraceptive treatment;
4. That unless she receives contraceptive advice or treatment her physical or mental health or both are likely to suffer;
5. That her best interests require them to give her contraceptive advice, treatment or both without the parental consent.

Question 5

What does NHS vicarious liability NOT cover?

Answer 5

Coronal enquiry or GMC proceedings

Question 6

What are the 3 commonest claims in gynaecology by injury?

Answer 6

1. Bladder damage/fistula
2. Unnecessary pain
3. Unnecessary/additional operation e.g. both ovaries, consent for 1

Question 7

What is the commonest cause for litigation post-sterilisation and what are the 2 principles related to this?

Answer 7

• Conception post sterilisation
• McFarlane ruling - Not entitled to costs of bringing up healthy child
• Parkinson ruling - Valid claim can be made if child born with disabilities

Question 8

What is the most common cause of litigation related to laparoscopy?

Answer 8

Internal injury or a delay in recongnising them

Question 9

What are the most common physician causes of litigation with colposcopy?

Answer 9

Improper sampling
Improper identification or failure to obtain a complete history
Incomplete follow-up

Question 10

What is the most common cause of litigation related to hysterectomy?

Answer 10

Ureteric injury and failure to diagnose it