NZNO is running a series of professional medico-legal forums around the country in October to help NZNO members deal with new virtual realities in their practice.

The digital world is becoming more and more a part of our everyday lives and being able to navigate the implications on our practice and careers is essential.

We’re seeing an increase in issues associated with social media, unauthorised electronic records access and technology use such as mobile phones for clinical communications. And there’s also the issue of patients and visitors using digital media, for example recording nursing staff and midwives, often without their knowledge or consent.

So these forums are designed to raise awareness of the professional issues and explore strategies to manage the risks and opportunities the digital world brings.

It is aimed at nurses and midwives, but anyone working in health care can attend.

Medico-legal forums are a great opportunity for members of the health team to have focussed education about topics that are current issue in their practice. They’re also a chance to network with others and discuss and reflect on issues that affect everyday practice.

The forum sessions are presented by NZNO professional nursing and legal advisers and cost $140 for NZNO members and $175 for others. It is 8 hours of professional development and a certificate for your portfolio will be provided. You may be able to access your PDRP entitlement to attend the forum.

Facing virtual reality forums will be held in Auckland, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Nelson and Dunedin. For more information on a location near you and to register check out www.nzno.org.nz. Places are limited so get in quickly!