Ethical management of self and professionalism
The Faculty of Public Health has adapted the GMC document Good Medical Practice for public health consultant practice. Good Public Health Practice describes the professional behaviours and values which underpin public health practice and apply both to medical and other graduate public health consultants.
On completion of training it is expected that the public health consultant can work with clinical practitioners rather than function as a clinician. Some medically qualified public health consultants, especially those working in health protection, may undertake work of a clinical nature. This work will be governed by Good Medical Practice and the documents should be used alongside each other.
There may be aspects of health protection work that involve direct interaction with individuals who have, or who have been exposed to, communicable and environmental hazards (and their relatives and carers). When practising in clinical areas and with patients, Good Medical Practice must also be integrated into training within the limits of professional competence.
|
Learning outcome |
related KSF competency |
|---|---|---|
EMS 1 |
Recognise and work within the limits of professional competence including working within the limits of personal clinical competence when dealing with individual patients |
C2:3 |
EMS 2 |
Be willing to consult colleagues |
C2:3 |
EMS 3 |
Keep clear, accurate and contemporaneous records including clinical record as necessary |
C1:4 |
EMS 4 |
Keep colleagues well informed when working in partnership including referring appropriate clinical issues |
C1:4 |
EMS 5 |
Establish and maintain trust by listening to and respecting others' views including giving patients and others the information they need in a way they can understand |
C2:3 |
EMS 6 |
Treat others with courtesy |
C2:3 |
EMS 7 |
Respect the rights of the public and patients to be involved in choices |
C6:3 |
EMS 8 |
Treat information about patients as confidential. If in exceptional circumstances you feel you should pass on information without a patient or an individual's consent, or against their wishes, you should follow agreed guidance on confidentiality and be prepared to justify your decision |
C2:3 |
EMS 9 |
Treat colleagues fairly and maintain the public's trust through avoidance of unfounded criticism |
C2:3 |
EMS 10 |
Respect skills and contributions of colleagues and maintain professional relationships and effective communication in multi disciplinary teams |
C2:3 |
EMS 11 |
Be readily accessible to the public and colleagues when on duty including arranging suitable cover |
C6:3 |
EMS 12 |
Pay regard to efficiency while not discriminating against individuals/populations |
C6.2 |
EMS 13 |
Keep knowledge and skills up to date, including regular audit, appraisal and reflective learning |
C2:2 |
EMS 14 |
Practise safely including assuring professional indemnity, safeguarding the public from others' unsafe practice, adhering to safe management practice through maintenance and development of an environment and culture that improves health, safety and security |
C3:2 |
EMS 15 |
Deal with complaints fairly and co-operate with enquiries into practice |
C5:2 |
EMS 16 |
Demonstrate probity in professional and personal practice |
C2:2 |
EMS 17 |
Seek and follow advice where health concerns may affect practice |
N/A |
EMS 18 |
Work within a value system appropriate to pubic health advocacy |
C6:3 |