New professional standards for doctors are now in effect to help drive a culture change in medicine, according to the General Medical Council (GMC).
The GMC’s Good medical practice document details the principles, values and standards expected of doctors.
Updates have been made in five key areas:
- Creating a respectful, fair and compassionate workplace
- Promoting patient-centred care
- Helping tackle discrimination
- Championing fair and inclusive leadership
- Supporting continuity of care and safe delegation
The changes represent the largest update to the document since 2013 and follow the GMC’s biggest ever consultation process which gathered feedback from stakeholders across the health sector.
“Good medical practice is the most important document we publish…”
Charlie Massey, CEO at the GMC
The guidance includes instructions that doctors must not act in a sexual way towards colleagues with the effect or intention of causing offence, embarrassment, humiliation or distress.
Additions have also been made on what doctors, including those in leadership positions, should do if they see any forms of bullying, harassment or discrimination.
The GMC’s chief executive, Charlie Massey, said: “Good medical practice is the most important document we publish, and the feedback we’ve received is clear: positive culture is a golden thread running throughout.
“By focusing on compassionate, fair workplaces where people feel empowered to speak up, we lay a solid foundation for teamwork and ultimately, safer care for patients.”
The guidance comes into effect after a five-month familiarisation period, during which almost 100 promotional events and workshops have taken place across the UK.
The GMC has also updated its more detailed guidance which provides doctors with further support on topics like social media, maintaining professional and personal boundaries, as well as delegation and referral.
Massey added: “Good medical practice sets out a collaborative and shared understanding of what is expected of doctors working in the UK.
“It should be a catalyst for creating supportive workplaces that will benefit patients as well as doctors, and will help guide medical professionals through the challenges they face today and into the future.”
The GMC says the document will apply to physician associates and anaesthesia associates once they become regulated professionals which is expected before the end of 2024.
Image credit: iStock
