Patient Safety and Professional Ethics
What this domain tests
This domain tests consent, confidentiality, capacity, record keeping, professional boundaries and patient safety. The exam expects a patient-centred, legally defensible answer.
Core rules
- Informed consent must be voluntary and informed, and the patient must have capacity. Discuss risks, benefits, alternatives and the consequences of refusal. Consent is a process, not a signature.
- Capacity is assumed unless there is evidence otherwise. Assess understanding, retention, ability to weigh information and communication of choice.
- For minors, obtain parental or guardian consent. Where local law recognises mature-minor capacity, assess it. Child protection concerns override confidentiality.
- Confidentiality: disclose only with consent or legal requirement, and share the minimum necessary information.
- Record keeping should be contemporaneous, legible and factual; include consent, radiographs, advice and follow-up.
- Duty of candour: disclose harm, apologise, explain and remedy.
- Patient safety includes ALARA for radiographs, medical emergency drills, correct site and side marking, and medication checks.
Worked example
A 15-year-old requests extraction of a painful tooth but refuses parental involvement. The dentist should assess capacity and urgency under local law; if the patient is competent and treatment is in their best interest, proceed within the legal framework; if not, involve the guardian. Document the discussion. Do not simply refuse care or treat without consent.
Traps
- A signed form is not proof of valid consent.
- Do not breach confidentiality in casual conversation.
- Do not treat a patient without capacity without a best-interests decision.
- Apologising is not an admission of liability; it is a professional duty.