Medical Ethics
DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY · NTA LEVEL 4 · SEMESTER TWO Medical Ethics CRT04209 · Medical Professional Ethics START READING NOTES Study Medical Ethics using the sections below. Use the topic navigation to continue through Medical Professional Ethics. Contents of This Topic Learning objectives Definition of terms Chaperone Examinations requires the presence of chaperone Patients should be offered a chaperone of their gender, present during the examination, Circumstances under which a chaperone is required during an ultrasound / x-ray examination Chaperone roles Informed consent is mandatory to all intimate/private radiological procedures Medical Ethics concepts in maintaining patient medical legal requirement; Imaging cycles phases Effects of errors in diagnostic radiography Impact of errors in radiography Category of errors Technique errors Processing errors Summary Radiology services Hierarchy MRIS Background in Tanzania Training in the field of radiology Local training programs in the field of radiology Radiology services expansion/ reforms Education in the field of radiology Academic centers around the country that provide educational opportunities in the field of radiology The Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) in Mwanza also offers a The Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) was founded in 1971 and also runs Advancement in Radiology field Service arrangement in Medical radiology and imaging section Definition of Misconduct and an abuse Misconducts Medical Ethics Examples of abuse include but not limited to; Verbal Abuse – Threats of harm, saying things to intentionally frighten a client Neglect Carelessness or neglect Professional misconduct groups Working while impaired Abusive conduct Theft 5. Failure to obtain informed consent and breach of confidentiality Failure to share information with client Inadequate documentation and record keeping Misrepresentation Failure to meet legal /professional obligations Conflict of interest; Fraud Radiographer Major duties, tasks and responsibilities of radiographer Operate complex medical instruments such as MRIs, CT scanners, X-ray, ultrasound, and several other imaging devices. Maintain proper records of patient details ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information. Explain to patients and their family the details of a procedure and ways to manage possible side effects. Ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines to minimize risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITY Make an easy relationship and reduce tension in the patient Legal responsibilities Procedures in the event of an accident Is responsible for continuous improvement of current practices Medical legal concepts in administering safe radiation to the patients Qualification for Diagnostic Radiographer Licensing Professional responsibility and accountability Professional duties Practice within Scope of profession Mobile radiography – perform relevant general examinations using mobile equipment in wards, ICU’s and emergency departments C-Arm fluoroscopy unit may be operated by a diagnostic radiographer in the operating theatre and cardiovascular theatre Dental radiography Learning objectives By the end to the session the students will be able to; List the Examinations requires the presence of chaperone Outline the circumstances under which a chaperone is required during an ultrasound / x-ray examination Explain the roles of chaperone Definition of terms A healthcare practitioner; is a person who has undergone appropriate training in providing any form of healthcare. This would include but not limited to; radiographers and nurses and Chaperone Definition A chaperone is a person who stands in as a witness for a patient and a medical staff during a procedure or assessment. Typically, a chaperone should be a medical practitioner / health professional Examinations requires the presence of chaperone Many examinations, especially those affecting anatomical areas of the chest (female), pelvis and upper thigh are potentially stressful or embarrassing /uncomfortable to the patient. Examinations involving the breasts, genitalia, anus or rectum are particularly intrusive /disturbing and may make the patient feel vulnerable /defenseless. Patients should be offered a chaperone of their gender, present during the examination, The chaperone would normally be another healthcare practitioner* and, in most cases, will act as a witness to verbal consent. and this applies whether or not the examination operator is the same gender as the patient. List circumstances under which a chaperone is required Circumstances under which a chaperone is required during an ultrasound / x-ray examination Breast ultrasound Intra cavitary ultrasound HSG, Urethrography, contrast enema Testicular ultrasound Possibly, on call ultrasound Ultrasound examinations outside of normal business hours Mammography The process for obtaining chaperones. Chaperone roles Be familiar with the procedure involved Be sensitive and respect the patients dignity Reassure the patient if they show signs of distress or discomfort Stay for the whole examination and be in a position to observe the examination if practical Be prepared to raise concerns if they feel the behavior or actions of the examination operator are inappropriate Informed consent is mandatory to all intimate/private radiological procedures Verbal consent in the presence of the chaperone, are required at the time of procedure The offer of a chaperone is for the protection of both the patient and the doctor Medical Ethics concepts in maintaining patient medical legal requirement; Diagnostic errors and negligence Learning objectives By the end to the session the students will be able to; Describe errors in diagnostic radiography Explain on how to reduce errors in diagnostic radiography Imaging cycles phases The imaging cycle represents the phases involved in medical imaging care. Three procedural phases are; Pre procedural (from time an image was requested until the time when the patient presented to have the image taken) Procedural (during taking the image), and Post procedural. Effects of errors in diagnostic radiography Errors that occur in medical imaging contribute to; increased radiation dose, compromised patient safety, wrong diagnosis, delayed treatment, and decreased efficiency Impact of errors in radiography Errors have significant impact on patient outcomes, health care workers' wellbeing, and the public's trust in the health care system Category of errors The majority if errors produced can be categorized into there groups Technique and projection errors Exposure errors Processing errors – chemical errors, film handling errors Technique errors Patient preparation error Radiopaque artefacts Blurred images Technical aspects Under or overexposure, Off centering Patient rotation, The use of one only projection, The presence of artifact Errors in interpretation Projection errors Incorrect angulations Processing errors Film