Table 2

Framework to manage the exceptions

SafeguardExplanationApplied to physician training
Establish oversight authorityGroup to develop and oversee guidelines, ensuring input of stakeholdersProfessional societies should develop guidelines for training new physicians
Compelling justificationThe interests of the present patient should be compromised only for a compelling reasonTraining new physicians is a vital social interest
Protect relationshipGuidelines should minimise impact on relationship by minimising judgement required of individual physicianRequire patients to be informed of and consent to care by inexperienced trainees. Limit judgement of supervising physician to determining whether selected patient is appropriate
Minimise risksThe risks to the present patient should be as low as possibleRequire supervision and limit care by trainees to less complicated cases
Equitable distributionRisks should not be limited to some groupsInstitutions assign trainees to patients in a way that distributes risks among groups
Added safeguardsWhen risks to present patient are more than minimal, include additional requirements, such as consent and compensationCompensate patients who agree to face greater than negligible increased risks from inexperienced trainees