35 Questions
Which healthcare professionals does the guidance primarily target?
Healthcare clinical professionals
What is the purpose of the guidance?
To establish standards and conduct for healthcare professionals acting as witnesses
Who endorsed the guidance?
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
Who are expected to follow the same standards for report writing?
Healthcare professionals
What must written or signed documents not be?
False or misleading
Which type of cases do courts require written reports or statements for?
Civil cases
Which specific rules must be followed as an expert witness?
All of the above
Which professional bodies provide guidance on the duties and responsibilities of expert witnesses?
The Expert Witness Institute
Who is responsible for regulating and enforcing compliance with the guidance for expert witnesses?
Colleges and professional bodies
What is the role of a witness of fact in a legal case?
To provide professional evidence of clinical findings and actions
What is the main responsibility of an expert witness in a legal case?
To assist the court on matters outside their field of expertise
What is the duty of an expert witness in court?
To act independently and be honest
What should an expert witness do if they do not have enough information to reach a conclusion on a particular point?
Make it clear that they don't have enough information
What should an expert witness base their evidence on?
Recognized clinical evidence and guidelines/standards
What is the consequence of a healthcare professional failing to follow the duties of an expert witness?
Sanctions against the healthcare professional
Which of the following best describes the role of an expert witness?
They provide evidence based on their specialized knowledge.
Under what circumstances can a healthcare professional choose to act as an expert witness?
It is a matter of choice for a healthcare professional.
What do healthcare professional bodies believe should be recognized as part of a healthcare professional's revalidation or continuous professional development (CPD) process?
Acting as an expert witness.
In which settings may healthcare professionals act as witnesses?
In various settings with different requirements for the burden of proof.
Which standard of proof was changed in 2018 for a conclusion of 'suicide' or 'unlawful killing' in a coroner's inquest?
On the balance of probabilities
In which court are healthcare professionals often called as witnesses of fact or expert witnesses for cases involving clinical negligence claims?
Civil Court
Which organization has produced guidance on the standards and expectations for paediatricians as expert witnesses in the Family Courts in England and Wales?
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
In which settings might healthcare professionals be called to act as witnesses of fact or expert witnesses?
All of the above
Which of the following is NOT an expectation of healthcare professionals acting as expert witnesses?
Providing direct assessment and examination of the patient
What is one of the key responsibilities of healthcare professionals acting as expert witnesses?
Maintaining appropriate expertise
What should healthcare professionals acting as expert witnesses undertake to ensure they are prepared for their role?
Specific training for being an expert witness
What could happen if healthcare professionals act as expert witnesses outside their scope of practice?
They may face action from their regulatory body
Which organization provides guidance on acting as an expert witness?
General Medical Council
Which professional body has endorsed the guidance on acting as an expert witness?
Royal College of Midwives
Which professional regulatory body has confirmed that the advice in the guidance is consistent with their standards and guidance?
Health and Care Professions Council
Which organization does the Academy for Healthcare Science represent?
Institute of Biomedical Science
Which of the following is NOT a factor that healthcare professionals must understand in the wider context of care delivery when acting as expert witnesses?
The personal responsibilities of the individuals under review
What are the personal responsibilities that healthcare professionals are expected to demonstrate when acting as expert witnesses?
Probity, impartiality, and declaration of interests
What could be the consequences for healthcare professionals if they provide misleading information after making a self-declaration?
Both professional misconduct proceedings and criminal sanction
What is the importance of having professional indemnity insurance for healthcare professionals acting as expert witnesses?
It covers medicolegal work
Test your knowledge on acting as an expert or professional witness in healthcare. This quiz will assess your understanding of the wider context of care delivery and its impact on cases, including familiarity with accepted normal and good practice in specific areas of clinical practice and specialism. Take the quiz now and enhance your expertise in this important aspect of the healthcare profession.
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