twrama 1841_august_2.. - AMA WA

OPINION
Continued from page 35
investigation has even been carried out. Consider the damage
that this can cause to the practitioner. The emotional anguish,
loss of income and damage to reputation that can occur is likely to
be irreversible, even if the claim is
eventually found to be false. Also,
the clinician is left with no
possibility of taking action
The emotional anguish,
loss of income and
damage to reputation that
can occur is likely to be
irreversible, even if the
claim is eventually found
to be false
against the accuser who
is protected “from
civil, criminal and
administrative
liability, including
defamation, for
people making
notifications in good
faith”.1 With the term
'good faith' being highly
subjective, it leaves the
falsely accused with little
basis to act.
Historically, the medical profession
has maintained the highest standards through colleagues holding
other colleagues to account. Though we have maintained the
basis of the profession on the highest ethical principles of
beneficence, non-maleficence, respect, autonomy and justice,
this ability for self-regulation has since been replaced by an
umbrella government agency that has its attention divided
between 14 health boards. The underlying goal of health
professional reporting, to protect the public from undue harm
caused by those few that are unscrupulous or dangerous,
is certainly worthy. However, the system in place and the
application of this law is unfortunately not without its flaws.
The deleterious consequences that follow for those who
are branded with unfounded accusations, or are dissuaded
from seeking appropriate help, are not in the interests of our
doctors and students, nor our community.
These laws do not achieve their goal, but instead place an
extra burden on the vast majority who acts in every facet for
the benefit of their patients and the community. Both parties
– the public and health professionals – need to be considered
to ensure that there is appropriate protection for both. After
all, what’s good for the doctor is good for the patient.
Reference: 1 Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA)
Act 2010, section 140.
The University of Notre Dame Australia is a Catholic university with campuses in
Fremantle, Broome and Sydney. The Objects of the University are the provision of
university education within a context of Catholic faith and values and the provision
of an excellent standard of teaching, scholarship and research, training for the
professions and the pastoral care of its students.
Are you interested in teaching?
We are seeking expressions of interests from qualified
and registered medical practitioners who would like to
become tutors to first and second year medicine students
at The University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle
Campus. Prerequisite training courses are being held for
individuals who are interested in potential appointments
as Clinical Debriefing Tutors and Problem Based Learning
Tutors. The training course will provide you with an
outline of the requirements and expectations of the
positions with a view to future employment. Individuals
who successfully complete the training, and who wish to
pursue the option of employment, will be considered as
positions become available.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Tutor
You will spend two half days per week working with a small group of first or second year
students to learn basic sciences in the context of real-life medical problems. You will facilitate
this process by guiding discussions and students’ identification of purposeful learning
objectives. Tutors are trained in the educational principles that underpin problem-based learning
such that they are capable of effectively leading groups to rich learning outcomes.
Clinical Debriefing (CD) Tutor
You will conduct a tutorial for 1.5-2 hours per week. Sessions explore professional, legal,
ethical, quality and safety issues that emerge in PBL cases and student clinical experiences.
Tutors facilitate group discussions by evoking student thoughts and questions.
The next PBL Tutor Training Session will be on Monday 8 October 2012
from 5.00pm - 8.00pm and
The next CD Tutor Training Session will be on Monday 15 October 2012
from 5.30pm - 7.30pm
To register, or if you have an enquiry, please contact Elaine Paull for further information on (08) 9433 0290
or email elaine.paull@nd.edu.au
The University reserves the right to appoint by invitation or to make no appointment at all.
36 MEDICUS August