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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Professional misconduct in psychiatry: sexual behaviour with patients. A report of recent New South Wales findings.

In the period 1989-1991 the Medical Tribunal in the state of New South Wales conducted enquiries into seven complaints about professional misconduct of a sexual nature incidental to psychiatric treatment. This study is submitted in the interests of patients, profession and public in accordance with the ethos of the Medical Practitioners Act (NSW). It is based on personal observations and published legal documents and refers to the legal context and procedures. It addresses the substance and style of complaints and complainants and of defences and respondents. The names of six psychiatrists and one trainee psychiatrist were removed from the Medical Register. In three instances decisions or orders were unsuccessfully appealed in the Supreme Court. In two instances associated complaints (of illicitly prescribing drugs of addiction and of divulging confidential information) were also found to be professional misconduct. Courtroom pitfalls are illustrated and practical principles explicit in judgements are reiterated.

Ethics, Professional↗

Professional misconduct: the Bristol case.

In June 1998, the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom (the body which regulates British doctors) concluded the longest-running case it has considered this century. Three medical practitioners were accused to serious professional misconduct relating to 29 deaths (and four survivors with brain damage) in 53 paediatric cardiac operations undertaken at the Bristol Royal Infirmary between 1988 and 1995. All three denied the charges but, after 65 days of evidence over eight months (costing 2.2 Pounds million), all were found guilty. The doctors concerned are Mr James Wisheart, a paediatric and adult cardiac surgeon (appointed in 1976, now retired), and the former Medical Director of the United Bristol Healthcare Trust (the hospital group that includes the Bristol Royal Infirmary); Mr Janardan Dhasmana, paediatric and adult cardiac surgeon (appointed in 1986); and Dr John Roylance, a former radiologist, and Chief Executive of the Trust from its creation in 1991 until his retirement in 1995. The central allegations were that the Chief Executive and the Medical Director of the Trust allowed to be carried out, and the two paediatric cardiac surgeons carried out, operations on children knowing that the mortality rates for these operations, in the hands of these surgeons, were high. Furthermore, the surgeons were accused of not communicating to the parents the correct risk of death for these operations in their hands. Stephen Bolsin, a cardiac anaesthetist, "blew the whistle" and then had the courage to follow through until a full investigation was carried out. The process took over six years. Here he tells his story.

Adult↗

Obstacles to addressing professional misconduct.

The Ethical Principles exhort psychologists "to encourage ethical behavior by students, supervisees, employees, and colleagues, as appropriate" (American Psychological Association, 1992, p. 1599). In spite of a clear directive to attempt resolution of unethical conduct by colleagues, research indicates that satisfactory resolution or actual reporting of misconduct is infrequent. This paper will address some of the forces that discourage psychologists from dealing responsibly and appropriately with professional misconduct by colleagues. The goals of this paper are to promote understanding of factors that interfere with the effective resolution of ethical misconduct, to identify possible signs of reluctance to address misconduct, and to propose strategies to combat those forces that keep us in silent collusion with colleagues who engage in unethical practices. A flowchart of steps for addressing possible misconduct by a colleague is provided, and educational, organizational, and professional considerations are discussed.

Awareness↗

Professional misconduct.

The Opticians Act 1989 is the main regulating Act of Parliament for UK optometrists and dispensing opticians. The Opticians Act permits only those who are registered with the General Optical Council to practise. Provision is also made to discipline opticians who fail to meet the required professional standards of the profession. This article looks at the meaning of professional misconduct and the disciplinary procedure.

Malpractice↗