Is shouting ever okay in the workplace? What about comments on personal appearance? And when a physician who was raised in a different age becomes the subject of complaints, what stance should a medical administrator take? ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’ host Dr David Rankin discusses this difficult scenario with Dr Jillann Farmer, the Chief Executive Officer of A Better Culture, the coalition of health professionals working to eliminate bullying, harassment and discrimination in the healthcare workplace. Together they discuss issues surrounding unprofessional conduct, and explore strategies for addressing impaired judgment, creating safe reporting environments, and enforcing organizational norms to ensure 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.

Addressing underperforming practitioners is one of the most difficult and complex problems a medical administrator can face. So, what would you do if patient safety was at risk, but there was political pressure involved? In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’, host Dr David Rankin discuss this very scenario with Professor Alan Sandford, who is the Director of Medical Academic Development – Regional Medical Pathway, at Central Queensland & Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services. Together they traverse the tensions between medical leadership, patient safety, and administrative pressures. They discuss difficult decisions around credentialing and dealing with an underperforming medic, revealing how medical leaders can navigate these challenges while upholding the principles of clinical governance.

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 surgeon with, for many reasons, a questionable reputation comes up in a hospital’s three-yearly credentialling cycle and serious performance issues need to be addressed. What are the best steps for an administrator to follow? In this episode of “Safeguarding Healthcare,” host Dr David Rankin is joined by the Chief Medical Officer at Safer Care Victoria, Professor Andrew Wilson, to delve into the complexities of medical credentialing and performance management. They explore a hypothetical scenario involving a surgeon whose credentials raise concerns about patient safety and team culture. The discussion highlights the challenges in balancing credentialing with ongoing performance evaluations and the importance of transparent, defendable processes 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.

Test results that reveal the presence of tuberculosis are missed, and the itinerant patient has been mixing in the community for months. What would you do? In this episode, host Dr David Rankin discusses such a scenario just like this with Dr Margaret Wilsher, a respiratory physician who spent 13 years as the Chief Medical Officer at Te Toka Tumai, or Auckland City Hospital. Together they traverse the complex issue of missed test results in a hospital setting, explore the challenges healthcare professionals face when crucial test results are overlooked, the implications for patient safety, and the system breakdowns that contribute to such incidents. Dr Wilsher offers insights into the importance of a just culture, clinician welfare, and creating resilient systems.

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 does a doctor do when a company sends them an expensive bottle of wine? Should it just be accepted? And what about being flown overseas to attend a conference? In this episode of 'Safeguarding Healthcare', host Dr David Rankin explores the complex ethics surrounding gifts and conflicts of interest in healthcare with Dr Luis Prado, the Group Director of Medical Services at St John of God Healthcare in Melbourne. From prosthetics to sponsorships, they discuss a scenario that challenges transparency and trust in the medical profession, and how clear declarations and good governance are crucial for maintaining integrity in clinical practice and protecting patient 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.

Financial pressures lead to the closure of a hospital unit, angering several doctors. Soon, a journalist calls asking about the loss of a community service. What should an administrator do in such a confronting situation? In this episode of Safeguarding Healthcare, host Dr David Rankin poses this conundrum to Dr Angela Williams, the Executive Director of Medical Services, Gippsland Southern Health Service in Leongatha, Victoria. Together they explore how to maintain open communication, foster trust, and find solutions that balance patient care with financial realities. And they discuss how to manage this with a group of extremely passionate physicians.

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.

The changing nature of technology and digital transformation of healthcare may promise apparent advantages to medical administrators, but they also present some serious pitfalls. In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’ host Dr David Rankin explores IT system issues with Dr Oliver Daly, a consultant urogynaecologist and clinical informatician. Together they discuss the complexities of implementing an electronic medication management system. They delve into the challenges of change management, the importance of engaging clinicians early in the process, and strategies to ensure the successful adoption of new systems while maintaining patient 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.

An accident takes place in the Emergency Department and a surgeon contracts Hepatitis B as a result. With so very many possible implications, what is the best course of action? In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’ host Dr David Rankin discusses this difficult scenario with one of Australia’s preeminent health administrators, NSW Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Paul Douglas. Together they tackle the complex ethical and procedural challenges. They discuss the importance of compliance with national guidelines, the ethical dilemmas surrounding patient safety, and the critical need for maintaining confidentiality while ensuring the safety of the community.

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.

Doctors can be their own worst enemies. Their long hours, deep commitment, personal involvement in their work and, sometimes, a tendency to martyrdom, can give rise to serious mental and other health issues. In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’, host Dr David Rankin presents a challenging scenario to Associate Professor Beth Kotze, the Director of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services for the Sydney Local Health District. Together they discuss the critical issue of burnout among medical professionals by considering a senior medical registrar struggling with excessive hours and personal stress. They highlight the signs of burnout and the steps required for individual and organisational intervention to ensure both personal well-being and optimal patient care.

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 patient complains, and a second surgeon raises questions about the outcome of an operation, but there’s nothing in the operation notes indicating that there was a theatre mishap or complication. In this episode of ‘Safeguarding Healthcare – the Essentials of Clinical Governance’, Dr David Rankin and Associate Professor Alastair Mah delve into the complexities of handling unrecorded incidents and patient complaints in medical administration. They discuss strategies for navigating this challenging scenario, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining professional integrity. They provide insights and practical solutions and outline how to implement effective quality improvement initiatives in healthcare settings.

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.