Professionalism

Question 1

Name the five principles of practice as listed in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct:

Answer 1

Professional competence
Honesty and Integrity
Independence and impartiality
Client confidentiality and trust
Professional accountability

Question 2

What is professional competence?

Answer 2

the duty of a veterinarian to maintain competence in domain

Question 3

what is honesty and integrity?

Answer 3

the duty to tell the truth and always do the right thing

Question 4

what is independence and impartiality?

Answer 4

the duty to be independent and not be swayed by other factors (e.g. when providing recommendations to clients)

Question 5

what is client confidentiality and trust?

Answer 5

the duty to maintain strict confidentiality of client and patient details at all times in order to maintain trust
exceptions: suspected cases of non-accidental injury or animal cruelty threats to public health

Question 6

what is professional accountability?

Answer 6

the duty to take all reasonable steps to make sure they are accountable and responsible for their actions

Question 7

What are the 6 professional responsibilities of a vet surgeon as listed in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct?

Answer 7

Veterinary surgeons and animals
Veterinary surgeons and clients
Veterinary surgeons and the profession
Veterinary surgeons and the veterinary team
Veterinary surgeons and the RCVS
Veterinary surgeons and the public

Question 8

Veterinary surgeons and animals?

Answer 8

animal health + welfare = 1st consideration
stay within own area of expertise
vet care provided must be appropriate + adequate
vets in practice must provide 24 hrs emergency first aid/pain relief
prescribe/administer responsibly
vets must communicate w/ each other to ensure safety/health of animals
vets must ensure clinical governance forms part of their profesh activities

Question 9

Veterinary surgeons and clients?

Answer 9

must be open and honest
provide independent/impartial advice
must inform client of conflict of interest
provide appropriate info about the practice incl. costs of service
communicate effectively (written+spoken), ensure informed consent is obtained b4 procedures etc.
keep clear detailed client records
don’t disclose info about client to 3rd party unless permish given or animal/public welfare is compromised
respond promptly, fully and courteously to complaint/criticism

Question 10

Veterinary surgeons and the profession?

Answer 10

take reasonable steps to address physical or mental health or performance that could impair fitness to practice
must take steps to ensure animals aren’t endangered if concerned about a colleague
must maintain and develop their skills
(Veterinary graduate development programme/ professional development phase and continuing professional development
all profesh activities covered by professional indemnity insurance or equivalent arrangements

Question 11

Veterinary surgeons and the veterinary team?

Answer 11

must work together
ensure tasks are delegated only to those w/ appropriate competence+registration
maintain minimum practice standards equivalent to the Core Standards of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme
Not impede colleagues who are complying w/ legislation + RCVS Code of Professional Conduct
Communicate effectively (spoken+written) w/ team
Head vet must ensure training of graduates meets requirements of the Vet GDP

Question 12

Veterinary surgeons and the RCVS?

Answer 12

must be appropriately registered w/ RCVS
must provide RCVS w/ their VetGDP/PDP and CPD records when requested
Vets must be honest with RCVS about convictions or adverse findings which may affect registration
must comply with reasonable requests from RCVS as part of the profession and comply with any undertakings they give to the RCVS

Question 13

Veterinary surgeons and the public?

Answer 13

must seek to ensure the protection of public/animal health/welfare - consider impact of actions on environment
must certify facts + opinions honestly + w/ due care - taking into account the 10 Principles of Certification
promotion and advertising in a professional manner
must comply with legislation relevant to the provision of veterinary services
must not engage in any activity or behaviour that would bring the profession into disrepute or undermine public confidence in the profession