Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences School of Rural Health

Guidelines for Ethical Conduct at Clinical Placements

During the RHM students need to continue to apply the principles of ethical conduct that have been taught in each semester to date.

Consent
Learning at Placements will involve hearing the stories of patients, health professionals, community members and others.

Students should:

  1. Check with a health professional who knows the person to ensure that it is appropriate to speak with the person.
  2. Introduce themself, explaining their medical student status and why they are there.
  3. Inform the person that their participation is voluntary and that he/she is free to refuse to speak to the student. Reassure them that their decision/s will not influence the care provided to them by the service.
  4. Explain that the information may form part of an assessment component involving a presentation to the student’s peers. Assure the patient that he/she will not be identified in the presentation.

Privacy & Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a key issue in a rural setting.

Students should:

  1. Take care not to identify or reveal the name of informants to anyone.
  2. Be circumspect with all identifying information.
  3. Only discuss the content of the informant’s talk with an appropriate health professional, academic staff or peer who is involved in that person’s care.
  4. Debrief to peers or colleagues in a way that does not identify participants.
  5. Be aware that many people know each other or of each other (a friend’s parent, neighbour, teacher, etc.) and/or are identifiable by their illness.
  6. Avoid using photos in presentatons where the patient can be idientified.
  7. Notify staff/others if the photo is to appear in the presentation and gaintheir permission.

Student Behaviour

Students should:

  1. Thank informants for revealing and sharing their story.
  2. Dress in a culturally appropriate and professional manner for the climate and the circumstances.
  3. Wear photo ID at all times during clinical placement.
  4. Not allow mobile phones to intrude on your interactions within health services.
  5. Be punctual; if students are unavoidably late, they should let the placement know in plenty of time.

**ATTENDANCE FOR THE 3 WEEK MODULE IS 100% FOR ALL SCHEDULED CLASSROOM AND CLINICAL ACTIVITIES**

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