RD13 (2016) Impairment in a colleague

 

Introduction:

Definition

·      Departure from expected practice

·      Significant

·      Consistent

Cause

·      Physical condition

·      Mental condition

·      Temporary vs permanent

Differentials

·      Personality clash

·      Illness alone

·      Distress alone

 

Identification:

Problems

·      Difficulty confirming impairment

·      Patient safety potentially at risk

·      Privacy concerns

Discussion

·      Trusted anaesthetist colleague

·      Trusted anaesthesia assistant

·      Supervisor

Investigation

·      Observation

·      Report from anaesthetic nurse (usually the starting point)

·      Family members

·      Peer review

·      Document concerns

 

Response:

The talk

·      State concerns

·      Hear both sides of the story

·      Can give support BUT avoid condoning the practice

·      Can refer to help BUT avoid taking on duty of care

Notifications

May include:

·      Supervisor/senior colleague

·      Employer

·      AHPRA

·      One’s own MDO

·      DHAS

Outcome

·      Sick leave

·      Retirement

 

Prevention:

·        Have a buddy

·        Have a mentor

·        Have a GP

 

 

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