GMC launches online tutorials in medical ethics

The GMC has today launched a series of challenging online tutorials that tackle tricky ethical scenarios.

The GMC has today launched a series of challenging online tutorials that tackle tricky ethical scenarios.  The tutorials which include child protection, whistleblowing and addiction will be added to the case load already featured on GMP in Action, the GMC’s interactive learning website for doctors.

Since its launch last year, 24,000 doctors and members of the public have logged on to http://www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/case_studies.asp. The online resource explores common real-life medical and ethical dilemmas and explains how doctors should tackle them using GMC guidance, Good Medical Practice (GMP).

Jane O’Brien Assistant Director Standards and Fitness to Practise said: “The new scenarios featured on GMP in action will be happening right now in surgeries and hospitals across the UK. 

“There are rarely black and white answers to a medical ethical dilemma and so GMP in Action allows the doctor to explore the issue from different viewpoints and see how certain courses of action can have varying consequences. 

“We want to build on the tremendous success of GMP in Action by adding scenarios that tackle real dilemmas that doctors face. Our aim is to support doctors to make the right decisions and increase knowledge of our guidance, Good Medical Practice.“

The new scenarios include:

• Sarah, 15 comes alone to the surgery requesting the contraceptive pill. When she returns a month later she thinks she may have contracted an STI. The doctor is also concerned about her drinking. Should the doctor have prescribed the pill without Sarah’s parent’s involvement? How should the doctor balance Sarah’s confidentiality with concerns about her welfare?
   
• Jacquie is a single-parent and is receiving treatment for heroin addiction. She tells her doctor she is finding hard to look after her son. Visiting again a few months later, her situation has deteriorated and she is using heroin again. Should the doctor involve social services?
   
• Dr Kwesi is finding that the sterile packs that he uses for surgery do not always contain the correct equipment. Speaking to colleagues they suggest that this could be because the hospital is trying to save money by asking junior staff to fill them. Who should Dr Kwesi speak to? What should he do when the problem continues even after he has raised concerns?
   
• Dr Gallagher offered Marlena Cieslak support and advice when she confided in him about her abusive boyfriend. When Marlena invited him out for a meal as a ‘thank you’, Dr Gallagher declined. A year later they bump into each other in a nightclub. What should Dr Gallagher do when Marlena invites him back to her place and he accepts?