Our latest edition of Connect magazine magazine takes a closer look at effective relationships, using cases to demonstrate the importance of communicating with patients, staff and colleagues.
We also look at digital communication and the effect social media has on our professional lives, addressing the benefits of using social media professionally and how to deal with online reviews.
Read the articles below or download the PDF with best practice insights to help you in your professional and personal lives.
Welcome
Maintaining effective relationships
Dr Beverley Rowbotham - Chair, Avant
Avant’s Chair, Dr Beverley Rowbotham introduces Connect while highlighting a range of topics on maintaining communication with patients and colleagues, plus the benefits and drawbacks of using social media in a professional context.
More than words
Prof Ajay Rane - Director of Urogynaecology at Townsville University Hospital, Director of Mater Pelvic Health and Research and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at James Cook University
Communication in a multicultural setting is often vulnerable to misinterpretation, which is why verbal and non-verbal cues are both equally important. Avant member Prof Ajay Rane shares his insights on communicating with patients amid language and cultural barriers.
Communication consequences
Dr Peter Henderson - Deputy Chief Medical Officer and General Manager, Medical Advisory Services Avant
Workplace relationships are necessary in order to communicate and collaborate, but misjudgement in communication can cause a great deal of grief.
Effective relationships
Surgeon’s stressful procedure no excuse
Sandii Hargrave – LLB, Practice Manager Claims, Professional Conduct, Avant
Doctors often face stressful situations and sometimes these can get the best of the most dedicated doctor, with colleagues often in the firing line. But knowing how to handle stress and manage these situations can avoid the problem growing.
Consent the key concern
Helen Turnbull – BA, LLB, Special Counsel – Professional Conduct, Avant Law
Doing what you think is best for the patient isn’t always enough. An oncologist was guilty of professional misconduct when he failed to inform patients of the treatment path he was taking them down, highlighting the need for proper and consent and processes.
Effective informed financial consent
Kenny Ho – BbusCom, Head of Claims, Doctors’ Health Fund
Fee transparency allows patients to make informed choices, but our complex health system can mean a breakdown in communication and misunderstanding for patients and providers.
Responding positively to negative comments
Dr Benjamin Vialle - BA(Hons), GradDipEd, BTh, MBBS, GradCertClinEd, Avant Doctor in Training Medical Adviser and psychiatry registrar
When patients or colleagues express satisfaction or dissatisfaction about the healthcare you provide through online platforms, here’s what you can do to help rectify the situation.
Defamation win after online abuse
Naomi Lewis – BA, Grad Dip HL, Senior Claims Manager, Civil Claims, Avant
A respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon member was awarded $450,000 after a patient’s social media tirade brought him “hatred, ridicule and contempt” in malicious online posts.
Social media: the world is your tearoom
Ruanne Brell – BA, LLB(Hons), Senior Legal Adviser, Advocacy, Education and Research, Avant
Social media isn’t for everyone, but long-time Twitter user Dr Rebecca Szabo is an advocate of how it can be done safely and with huge reward for the medical profession.
Errors ahead: handle with care
Kate Gillman – BA, LLB, Head of Medico-legal Advisory Service, Avant
Mistakes are going to be made by even the most diligent of doctors, but how they are handled can make a big difference to the outcome.
In the workplace
Technologies enhancing communication
Georgie Haysom – BSc, LLB(Hons), LLM (Bioethics), GAICD, Head of Advocacy, Education and Research, Avant
Online communication and messaging platforms are used increasingly in clinical practice, with some messaging apps being developed specifically for healthcare settings.
COVID-19: workplace issues
Sonya Black - LLB(Hons), BCom, Practice Manager, Legal – Workplace Law Team, Avant Law
Practices and public hospitals are still managing mandatory vaccination rollouts, and doctors dealing with exemption requests from reluctant patients. Here are some tips for addressing common issues members may still be facing.
Practice negates Fair Work dispute
Martin Edwards - BSc, FIAA, GAICD, CEO, Technology in Practice, Avant
Not only does PracticeHub make managing your practice simpler, safer and more efficient, but it can help you respond should you ever find yourself in an employment dispute.
A doctor's life
Borrowing to invest
Steve Thomson - General Manager, Doctors Wealth Management, Avant
A diverse portfolio is a great way of ensuring your financial security. Avant’s Doctors Wealth Management team looks at the benefits of borrowing to invest and how this can support your long-term goals.
Furthering research on COVID-19 vaccines
Adam Golabek - MBA, MScTech (Risk Mgmt), BPhysio(Hons), Head of Avant Foundation, Avant
Dr Victoria Hall, an Avant Foundation New Fellow scholarship recipient, shares how her research will help inform how effective and safe the COVID-19 vaccines are in adult organ transplant recipients.