Module 4: Ethics & Professionalism
Ethics stations are not about knowing a list of laws. They are about demonstrating a structured, balanced approach to difficult situations. More importantly, ethics is not a separate section of the exam, it is assessed implicitly in every station you sit.
Module Summary
| Lesson | What You Must Be Able to Do |
|---|---|
| 4.1 — Ethical Foundations | Apply the four pillars. Internalise the GMP 2024 domains. Recognise that ethics is assessed in every station. |
| 4.2 — Consent and Capacity | Apply valid consent requirements including Montgomery. Use the MCA five principles and four-part capacity test. Understand best interests, Gillick, Fraser, and ADRT. Structure a consent station. |
| 4.3 — Confidentiality | Know the duty and the exceptions. Apply the public interest test. Handle the common scenarios (HIV, DVLA, relatives). |
| 4.4 — Safeguarding | Recognise NAI red flags. Follow the MASH referral process. Know the FGM mandatory reporting duty. Handle adult safeguarding sensitively. |
| 4.5 — End-of-Life and DNAR | Apply DNAR principles correctly. Explain ADRT, LPA, advance statement, and ReSPECT. Manage terminal symptoms. |
| 4.6 — Fitness, Errors, and Candour | Know the DVLA table. Issue Med3 correctly. Apply the duty of candour. Tell a patient about an error. Report via Datix. Escalate using SBAR. |
| 4.7 — Colleague Concerns | Use a structured seven-step approach for colleague scenarios. Know the types of problems and what to do for each. Follow the escalation pathway. |
| 4.8 — Other Dilemmas | Handle Jehovah's Witnesses, resource allocation, treating colleagues, non-evidence-based requests, and transgender health consultations. |