Interview Stations

You are serving as the GP of a small town in rural Victoria. Emily, a 14 year old girl, comes into the clinic. During the consultation, she breaks down and starts to cry. She tells you that she is pregnant, having found out after noticing that she missed her period and taking a pregnancy test. She is looking to get an abortion as she doesn’t believe she is ready or fit to be a mother at her age.

Ethics Interview Station

  • The decision to inform the patient's parents about her pregnancy is complex and depends on several factors. In many places, medical professionals are bound by confidentiality rules, which protect a patient's privacy. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the patient's health or safety is at risk. In this specific situation, it would be crucial to assess the patient's emotional and physical well-being, her ability to make informed decisions, and the relevant laws and regulations in Australia regarding minor consent for medical procedures. Ultimately, the primary concern should be the patient's best interests, safety, and emotional support.

  • Ethical considerations in abortion revolve around a range of factors, including the right to bodily autonomy, the potential rights of the fetus, the circumstances of the pregnancy (such as health risks or age), and societal and cultural values. In this context, some key ethical issues include respecting the patient's autonomy and her ability to make an informed decision, balancing her best interests against potential moral or religious objections, and ensuring that her choice aligns with the legal framework in Australia.

  • Pros and cons of abortion vary depending on individual circumstances and perspectives. Some pros include the right to choose, the potential to protect the health and future of the teenage patient, and addressing situations like unwanted pregnancies. On the other hand, cons may involve moral or religious objections, concerns about the potential psychological impact, and ethical dilemmas regarding the fetus's rights. It's crucial to consider each case individually, taking into account the patient's unique circumstances.

  • Several factors could contribute to higher rates of teenage pregnancies in rural areas. These may include limited access to comprehensive sex education and contraceptives, cultural or social factors that influence early relationships and pregnancies, reduced availability of healthcare facilities, and potential economic disparities. The specific reasons would require a more in-depth analysis of the region, but addressing this issue may involve improving sex education, increasing access to healthcare, and addressing socioeconomic challenges in rural communities.

  • To reduce teenage pregnancies in Australia, comprehensive sex education programs should be implemented in schools, focusing on safe sex practices, contraception, and the emotional and social aspects of relationships. Access to affordable and confidential reproductive healthcare services, including contraceptives and counseling, should be expanded. Additionally, addressing social and economic factors that may contribute to teenage pregnancies, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, is essential. Community-based initiatives, support networks, and family involvement can also play a role in preventing teenage pregnancies and providing support to pregnant teenagers when needed.

You have been designated as the team leader in a group project. The supervisor is absent for the day, and as the leader, the responsibility falls upon you to facilitate the group’s discussions and fill the supervisor in on what happens. However, due to the supervisor’s absence a challenge has arisen, with one of the team members not actively participating in the group’s discussions. They constantly remain engrossed in their phone, refrains from answering questions and does not contribute her own ideas or thoughts to the group.


Conflict Resolution Interview Station

  • As the team leader, I would take the following steps to address the disengaged team member's behavior:

    Private Discussion: I would approach the team member privately and respectfully inquire about the reasons for her lack of participation. This discussion would aim to understand any underlying issues or concerns that may be affecting her engagement.

    Encouragement and Support: I would encourage her to actively participate in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of her input and the value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. I would offer support and assistance if she encountered any challenges related to the case study.

    Specific Roles and Responsibilities: To promote engagement, I would allocate specific roles or responsibilities within the group, ensuring that each member, including her, has a clear and meaningful task to contribute to the session.

    Regular Check-Ins: Throughout the session, I would periodically check in with her to gauge her level of involvement and ask for her input on specific aspects of the case study. This would create opportunities for her to participate actively.

  • If the team member doesn't listen to my guidance or disagrees with my approach, I would adopt the following approach:

    Active Listening: First, I would actively listen to her perspective and concerns. Understanding her point of view is crucial in addressing any disagreements.

    Open Dialogue: I would engage in an open and respectful dialogue, encouraging her to express her thoughts and ideas. It's essential to create an environment where differing opinions can be discussed constructively.

    Seeking Consensus: I would work towards finding common ground and consensus within the team. This might involve considering alternative approaches that accommodate her input while still aligning with the overall goals of the session.

    Mediation if Necessary: If disagreements persist and hinder the group's progress, I may need to mediate the discussion or involve a neutral third party to help facilitate a resolution.

  • Several reasons could explain the team member's behavior, such as:

    Personal Issues: She might be facing personal problems or distractions that affect her ability to engage fully.

    Lack of Interest: It's possible that she is not interested in the case study topic or the ICL session itself.

    Misunderstanding: She may have misunderstood the expectations or the importance of her participation.

    Lack of Confidence: She might lack confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully or fear making mistakes in front of her peers.

  • To minimize conflict within a team, a team leader can:

    Establish Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations for team behavior, communication, and roles from the outset.

    Promote Open Communication: Encourage team members to communicate openly and respectfully, ensuring everyone's voice is heard.

    Allocate Roles and Responsibilities: Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each team member based on their strengths and interests to minimize role-related conflicts.

    Foster Team Cohesion: Organize team-building activities and create a supportive team culture where members feel valued and connected.

    Conflict Resolution Training: Equip team members with conflict resolution skills and strategies to address conflicts constructively.

  • In a previous project team, we encountered a conflict regarding the allocation of tasks and responsibilities. Two team members disagreed on how to divide the workload. I addressed this conflict by:

    Listening Actively: I listened to both team members' concerns to understand their perspectives fully.

    Facilitating Discussion: I facilitated a discussion where they could express their views openly and respectfully.

    Finding Common Ground: We worked together to identify common ground and areas where compromises could be made to distribute tasks more equitably.

    Reallocating Responsibilities: Based on our discussion, we adjusted the task allocation to better align with everyone's strengths and preferences.

    Monitoring Progress: I continued to monitor the situation and provided support as needed to ensure the team functioned smoothly.

    Ultimately, this approach helped us resolve the conflict, improve collaboration, and successfully complete the project.