18.04.11
Clear procedures needed to support return to practice
New guidance has been published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) to support doctors returning to practice after a period of absence. The guidance is based on the experience of the Return to Practice working group as well as a review of existing evidence.
This includes practical checklists for evaluating doctors on and/or before their return to work, and recommendations for establishing organisational policy and an action plan to assist the transition.
The guidance applies to doctors who have been away for three months or more, but states that additional evaluation is necessary dependant on the particular case.
Professor Hugo Mascie-Taylor, chairman of the return to practice working group, said: “The guidance is designed to support doctors, employers and all those involved with the safe return to practice for doctors. Crucially, it provides practical help for doctors and employers and it sets patient safety at the heart of its recommendations.”
Professor Sir Neil Douglas, chairman of the academy said: “The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges believes it is important for patients, doctors, and employers that there are clear procedures to cover a doctors’ return to practice. We believe this guidance effectively fills this gap and we hope it will be adopted by employers locally.”
To view the report, visit http://aomrc.org.uk/item/academy-reports-and-resources.htm
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]