This Code of Conduct is to outline the ethical and common professional standards (in clinical settings) used as the basis for COMHS students for their day-to-day practice and interaction with fellow students, faculty, administrators, staff, patients, patients’ relatives and all members of the health care system. Students are expected to adhere to the spirit of this Code and its specific provisions. The collective duty of COMHS, SQUH and affiliated training sites staff is to uphold the standards stated in this code and to comply with the relevant procedures, regulations, and laws of Sultan Qaboos University and other involved authorities.
1.Definitions and Abbreviations
1.1 Definitions:
Academic activities: Any and each action in a clinical setting (preclinical or clinical for the purpose of teaching or assessment) specified by the COMHS that is related to an educational program (or part thereof) offered by the COMHS.
Affiliated Hospitals and Health Centers: All hospitals and health centers involved in delivery of any educational program (or part thereof) offered by the COMHS.
Clinical Settings: Any site where students are involved with any academic activity associated with healthcare.
Course/Rotation/Block Coordinator: The coordinator of the Course, Rotation or Block where the alleged “misconduct incidence” is reported.
Misconduct Incidence: The occurrence that is raised due to observed or putative event where breach of this Code is a concern.
Student Misconduct Committee: is the COMHS Committee that is responsible to review alleged cases of students’ misconduct (See appendix)
Staff: All SQU, COMHS, SQUH and other affiliated hospitals and health centers employees where any academic activity occurs.
Students: All undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled to study in COMHS, including external students on elective attachment.
The Concerned Assistant Dean: is the COMHS – Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies (when the incident involves student in phases I, II and the Intercalated, and BMS Program), OR the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs when the incidence involves student in phase III, OR the Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research when the incidence involves postgraduate students, OR Assistant Dean for Training and Community Service when the incidence involves “Elective” students.
1.2 Abbreviations:
COMHS: College of Medicine and Health Sciences
SQU: Sultan Qaboos University
SQUH: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital
2.Principles
2.1. The spirit of this Code is to “correct” not to “penalize” student’s behavior; yet, the College should have zero tolerance to this Code breaching incidences with malicious intention.
2.2. All staff should provide the best possible guidance to all students all the time.
2.3. Students should, firstly, be counselled when any concern arises.
2.4. Counselling students to optimize abidance to this Code of Conduct is an integral part of the Code.
2.5. It is the responsibility of all staff to uphold the standards stated in this Code.
2.6. Students have the right to appeal against the Student Misconduct Committee.
2.7. The entire process of investigating student misconduct in clinical settings is subject to the utmost confidentiality.
2.8. Any issue that has not been mentioned in this Code and is pertaining to student misconduct should be referred and guided by SQU “Student Misconduct Policy”.
3.Expected Behaviors
COMHS students are expected to meet the below-listed standards of conduct as per the following categories:
Dress Code
3.1 maintain a professional appearance and comply with SQU, SQUH and in all other affiliated training sites dress code.
Academic Activities
3.2 follow procedures that apply to all academic activities.
3.3 be fully engaged with academic activities.
3.4 contribute effectively to improving the teaching process by completing feedback as requested, and reporting any challenges and difficulties through course coordinators or other appropriate concerned staff.
3.5 accept feedback, and work to improve performance. Rules and Regulations.
3.6 abide by all SQU, COMHS and other involved authorities’ rules, policies, and regulations.
3.7 abide by COMHS “Equity Statement”.
3.8 not to get involved in any form of academic misconduct as defined by SQU Student Misconduct Policy.
Disclosure
3.9 inform the Assistant Dean if a health issue or any personal problem arise which may put the health and well-being of patients at risk or represent a risk for other fellow students or health care providers.
3.10 inform the Assistant Dean of any incident that may lead to “criminal” or “dishonesty” prosecution.
3.11 seek advice from Assistant Dean in case of any concern that a fellow student or other health care provider in training sites represent a risk to fellow students, patients, patients' relatives or other health care providers. Examples include substance abuse and misuse of patient information.
Professionalism
3.12 carry a student identification card in all patient care areas, and always make it clear to healthcare professionals, patients, and patients relatives that you are a student.
3.13 be aware of own limitations, and do not exceed own abilities when approaching patients and giving information.
3.14 comply with required health testing and infection control measures.
3.15 demonstrate respect for fellow students, faculty, administrators, staff, patients, patients’ relatives and all members of the health care system.
3.16 treat patients and their relatives politely and respect their privacy, dignity, and right to confidentiality.
3.17 maintain patients’ confidentiality, including data and information, and never discuss patients outside the clinical setting with other health care professionals and students except anonymously.
Punctuality and Absenteeism
3.18 arrive on time (not to be late more than 15 minutes once a week) for all academic activities
3.19 promptly notify the concerned staff of any foreseen delay or absence.
3.20 Provide a valid excuse for any absence (excused absence include valid medical sick leave, bereavement over first degree relative, maternity leaves, College organized events)
3.21 Timely (within 72 hours of announced deadline) submit Logbook
Use of social media
3.22 never use mobile devices, email, messaging, or social media to share patient images or any identifiable patient information.
3.23 appropriately and respectfully use social media and never engage in any unlawful activity on social media platforms.
4.Misconduct Review Procedure
4.1. An “incidence” should be reported to the Course/Rotation/Block Coordinator who should decide to use informal counselling or to take formal action.
4.2. An incidence that was not resolved by informal counselling or was too serious to be addressed by informal counselling should be reported in writing.
4.3The individual who reports the incidence should write to the Course/Rotation/Block Coordinator or to the concerned Assistant Dean when, where, what happened and by who.
4.4. The Course/Rotation/Block Coordinator or concerned Assistant Dean should forward the incidence report to the Dean.
4.5. The Dean should formulate the College Misconduct Committee and forward reported concern for deliberation and action.
4.6. The Chairman of the College Misconduct Committee shall report to the Dean the Committee decision, who, in turn, shall inform the concerned student in writing.
4.7. The concerned student has the right to appeal, in writing to the Dean, against the College Misconduct Committee decision, within three working days after being informed of the decision, by writing to the Dean if he/she deemed the decision to be unjustified.
4.8. The Dean, if found the appeal is based on sound grounds, shall forward it to the College Appeal Committee.
4.9. The whole process from receiving an appeal until informing the student of the College Misconduct Committee should not last more than five working days.
4.10. A case of a student who has repeatedly violated this Code of Conduct should be referred to SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs and Community Service for deciding on disciplinary action in accordance with SQU Student Misconduct Policy.