Professional Conduct part 4 – real life scenarios (C32244)
You are now presented with five real life scenarios that all challenge your understanding of the rules and regulations within which UK eyecare professionals operate. For each scenario you will be asked questions which we want you to think about before clicking to some guidance and explanation.
These are typical scenarios that colleagues in practice encounter frequently. As author David Cartwright explains, ‘Consider the scenario and discuss the legal and ethical issues they present. The scenario will prompt thoughts, based on your, and colleagues, existing knowledge. In addition the accompanying text should help your thinking. You also may want to undertake further research yourself. Following initial discussion you may want to explore further “what if” scenarios. You may also wish to make notes as you progress through the scenarios.
For reference click here for a pdf based on our recent series on professional conduct, which may serve as a useful reference for the exercise. Further references are mentioned throughout.
Please remember that these are example generic scenarios and the exact clinical course of action will depend on individual patient and practice circumstances? Furthermore, the discussion is not meant to be an exhaustive list of the possibilities that present from each scenario. If in any doubt you may wish to consult with your professional representative body.
Scenario 1
A patient attends your practice complaining of flashes and floaters that are of recent onset. He would like to see an optometrist, however there is no optometrist on the premises that day.
Question - How should your receptionist proceed?