Safeguarding Healthcare

What actions should a medical administrator take if confidential patient notes are sent to the wrong person? In this episode of 'Safeguarding Healthcare - the Essentials of Clinical Governance’, host Dr David Rankin presents this challenging hypothetical to Dr Colin Feekery, a former Acting Director of Medical Services at Alfred Health. The pair unravels issues relating to privacy issues, the complexities of handling sensitive patient information and the critical importance of robust training and systems to ensure privacy compliance.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You are troubled by what may be an increased incidence of a normally routine surgical side effect. Where do you even begin to start troubleshooting? In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare - the Essentials of Clinical Governance’, host Dr David Rankin guides Dr Paul Tridgell through this challenging scenario. Together they explore the complexities of medical administration and the challenges it faces in measuring hospital-acquired complications. They delve into coding processes, risk adjustments, quality improvement strategies, and key lessons for enhancing quality and safety.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Clinical Governance and what is the role of the Director of a healthcare organisation in ensuring the care that is provided is safe?

In this episode, Dr David Rankin takes an unfortunate scenario that is not uncommon in the modern hospital. He explores the meaning of clinical governance with a range of senior medical administrators and then looks at the role of the director. The episode explores ways to determine if your organisation is providing care that is evidence based, creates great patient experience and is delivered in the most efficient way.

To implement effective clinical governance, an organisation needs to move from a focus on compliance with policies and procedures to a culture where all staff are committed to providing safe and effective care through considering their contribution to each patient's outcomes, experience and the efficiency of the care they provide.

Reference:

Download a written summary of the key points of this special episode here:

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if you discovered that one of your gynecologists had lied about their credentials? What are the implications for patients, staff, and the hospital at large? In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’, Dr David Rankin discusses this challenging scenario with Dr Simon Fraser, Senior Medical Advisor at Medibank, and a Board member on a Victorian regional health service. The scenario highlights issues of patient safety, recruitment processes, and potential fraudulent behavior. This episode looks at the complexities of the credentialing process, patient care review, external expert engagement, media management, and the broader implications for clinical governance and organisational trust.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where do you draw the line when assessing if a surgeon is qualified to undertake specific surgery? How do you determine their scope of clinical practice, and what happens if you have doubts? In this episode of 'Safeguarding Healthcare’, host Dr David Rankin and Dr Leah Barrett-Beck explore a challenging scenario. Learn about the importance of credentialing, ongoing training, and ensuring patient safety in complex medical procedures, and gain insights into the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery while maintaining professional standards and fostering innovation.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A registrar is found asleep with his phone turned off during a serious emergency. In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’, host Dr David Rankin poses a scenario involving a senior obstetric registrar who fails to respond to urgent calls during what has been a quiet shift. Dr. Rachel Cheong, the Director of Medical Services at Barwon Health in Geelong, responds to the hypothetical, offering insights into the key issues of clinical safety, professional behaviour, and wider organizational implications. The discussion delves into immediate actions, investigations, and support for the staff involved. Dr. Cheong emphasizes the importance of maintaining a speaking-up culture and balancing confidentiality with public safety.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you deal with an anaesthetist who may have been sampling leftover fentanyl? In this episode of “Safeguarding Healthcare - the Essentials of Clinical Governance,” Dr David Rankin explores a complex scenario involving suspected drug misuse, unravelling the intricate threads of patient safety, staff well-being, and organisational culture. Dr Sue Nightingale, a seasoned psychiatrist and former Executive Director Clinical Governance, Education and Research at Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, offers insights into the challenges facing medical administrators when confronted with such issues. From ensuring patient safety and conducting thorough investigations to supporting staff and facilitating rehabilitation, this episode navigates the delicate balance between vigilance and compassion in medical administration.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’, Dr David Rankin delves into the complexities of medical administration with guest Dr Bahare Moradi, the Acting Director of Medical Services at the Royal North Shore Hospital in northern Sydney. Together, they dissect a common scenario involving a surgical registrar facing a challenging appendectomy. Dr Moradi highlights the delicate balance between patient safety and providing learning experiences for trainees, emphasising the need for structured support systems within hospitals. They discuss strategies for ensuring young doctors seek help when needed and navigating the dynamics between junior and senior staff.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Compliance issues can be fraught. Engaging senior staff can be more like herding cats. In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’, Dr David Rankin highlights the challenges faced by medical administrators focusing on the low compliance rates among hospital staff, especially senior medical professionals, with essential training requirements such as hand hygiene, emergency procedures, and cultural awareness. Dr Mainak Majumdar, the Director of Intensive Care Services at Mercy Hospital, provides insights into the root causes and potential solutions for this issue, emphasising the importance of ensuring communication is patient-centric and that medical staff understand their accountability.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if you found surgical instruments not being sterilised? In this episode of 'Safeguarding Healthcare – the Essentials of Clinical Governance', Dr David Rankin presents such a scenario to Professor Mary O'Reilly, Chief Medical Officer at Austin Health in Melbourne and an infectious disease specialist. Together, they navigate the aftermath of a potential sterilisation oversight involving endoscopy equipment. From assessing patient risk to addressing system failures and ensuring transparent communication with patients, Professor O'Reilly explains the steps that need to be taken. The discussion highlights the importance of proactive measures, open disclosure, and fostering a supportive, blame-free culture within healthcare teams.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.