DOCET has now distributed a copy of its latest distance learning project, which comprises a “legal scenario” on DVD and a new Record Keeping Booklet.
The DVD shows a series of events that lead to a community optometrist having to attend a GOC Fitness to Practise Hearing. A number of scenarios are illustrated where communication with a patient and the patient’s family lead to an escalating series of misunderstandings, culminating in a serious eye condition and a subsequent complaint to the GOC.
The sketch, written by the AOP legal team, was performed as amateur dramatics at the National Optometric Conference in 2006 and was so well received that it was agreed that it should be made available to all optometrists.
The disk includes a professional commentary in the "extras" section analysing each event and the evidence given during the hearing.
RECORD CARD
To download a sample record card click here:
Sample Record Card
RECORD KEEPING BOOKLET
As an added bonus DOCET has updated its Record Keeping Booklet, which was first issued in 1999. A pdf version of this booklet is available here:
Record Keeping Booklet
| Course Number: C-10859/O | Closing Date: 1 September 2009 |
| CET points: 2 | Target Audience: Optometrists |
Please note: your CETOptics account will be updated within 10 working days of the closing date.
Your CET User Code Prefix is the first part of your GOC number; therefore if your GOC number is 01-1234 you would put
01 in the CET User Code Prefix field and 1234 in the GOC Number field.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE MCQS YOU SHOULD RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM DOCET CONFIRMING THAT YOUR
DETAILS HAVE BEEN RECORDED. IT IS A REQUIREMENT OF THE COMPULSORY CET SCHEME THAT YOU KEEP A COPY OF THIS
EMAIL; IF FOR SOME REASON THE CET POINT IS NOT ALLOCATED TO YOUR CETOPTICES ACCOUNT WE CANNOT RECTIFY THIS
WITHOUT IT. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL DOCET
The closing date for this project has now passed. The correct answers to the multiple choice questions are highlighted in bold below.
1. Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
a) the GOC consider failure to keep acceptable clinical records constitutes impaired fitness to practice
b) The only evidence that will support a practitioner’s version of events is their clinical record
c) NHS records can only be examined following a patient complaint
d) The quality of clinical records has a direct relationship with the ability to defend charges
2. Where would one go to find detailed guidance on record keeping?
a) The AOP website
b) The College website
c) The DOCET website
d) The GOC website
3. Which of the following is NOT an essential reason for keeping records?
a) To comply with regulations
b) To provide marketing opportunities
c) To identify longitudinal visual changes
d) To protect patients
4. Recording negative information is:
a) Optional
b) Advisable
c) Sensible
d) Essential
5. Which of the following statements is correct?
a) Normal is a preferable term than healthy
b) Recording Oph – NAD is adequate
c) The use of ticks is acceptable
d) Written notes are not needed with digital images
6. In which of the following situations should notes be made on a record card?
a) Giving advice across the reception desk
b) Giving advice in the consulting room
c) Giving advice on the telephone
d) All of the above
7. Which of the following is the correct charge as read out by the GOC Hearings Manager?
a) That Martin Whitehead is guilty of Serious Professional Misconduct
b) That the Fitness to Practise of Martin Whitehead is impaired
c) That the competence of Martin Whitehead is impaired
d) That the practice of Martin Whitehead is below an acceptable standard
8. Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
a) A verbatim record of the hearing is made
b) GOC fitness to practice hearings operate similarly to a court of law
c) Hearsay evidence is allowed
d) The Legal Assessor advises the committee on points of law and procedure
9. Which of the following statements is correct?
a) The G.O.C presents its case first and then the registrant
b) The public are not allowed in the hearing
c) FTP Committee Chairs are usually lay members
d) The GOC case is always presented by a Barrister
10. How many members of the respondent’s profession would be sitting on the Fitness to Practice Committee?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
11. Mr Whitehead admits certain charges because;
a) He is worried his records don’t back him up
b) It will help him get a “lighter sentence”
c) He does not admit they were failures on his part
d) He is worried he might have missed something
12. Which of the following statements is NOT a key message of the programme?
a) Maintain eye contact with your patients
b) Review previous notes while listening to patients
c) Good listening skills are vital
d) Making detailed notes including advice given to patients is essential
