reports from council
a conversation about continuity of care issues in order to help shape the development of a new policy. As a part of this development process, we expect to explore a number of issues including, after-hours care, information exchange between health-care providers, physician availability to other health-care professionals, and walk-in clinics. This work is happening in concert with a review of the existing Test Results Management policy, as this comprises a critical aspect of continuity of care. The College is currently hosting two consultations online; one conversation is intended to get feedback on continuity of care issues more generally, and the other consultation is specifically related to our current Test Results Management policy( please see www. cpso. on. ca). Going forward, we’ re going to also explore additional opportunities to engage – all with the aim of encouraging our stakeholders to participate in an examination of this very complicated issue.
Please see the article on page 9.
Physician Behaviour Council reviewed a report on the consultation feedback and proposed revisions made to the draft Physician Behaviour in the Professional Environment policy following the external consultation held earlier this year. After some discussion, Council approved the revised draft policy. The updated policy states that physicians are expected to act in a respectful, courteous and civil manner towards their patients, colleagues, and others involved in the provision of health care. The policy also identifies a subset of unprofessional behaviour known as disruptive behaviour and articulates the negative impact that disruptive behaviour can have on patient safety and outcomes, and the communication and collaboration that underpin good medical practice. The policy is consistent with the earlier policy, approved by Council in 2007, and does not create new expectations for the profession.“ While there may be a myriad of reasons for disruptive behaviour, whether personal, professional, or situational, physicians are nevertheless expected to demonstrate professional behaviour at all times,” states the policy. Please read the article on page 19.
Planning for and Providing Quality End of Life Care – Post Approval Amendments Council has approved amendments to two sections in the College’ s recently approved Planning for and Providing Quality End-of-Life Care policy. The amendments relate to the policy expectations regarding no-CPR orders and content on physicianassisted death. The policy amendments regarding the no-CPR orders are in response to a proposal received from critical care physicians who were supportive of the policy, but felt that clarification was needed. The amendments clarify that while conflict resolution is underway regarding the writing of a no-CPR order, there is a narrow set of circumstances in which CPR need not be provided: instances where the patient’ s condition would prevent the physiologic goals of CPR from being achieved. The amendments provide an important clarification of the policy position, while maintaining policy content to ensure that no-CPR orders cannot be unilater-
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Dialogue Issue 2, 2016