Alex RKThe GMC is consulting on revised consent guidance, which outlines what doctors should consider when discussing treatment and care with patients.
According to the GMC:
“The updated guidance focuses on the importance of communication, personalised conversations, and doctors and patients making decisions about treatment and care together.
We’ve restructured it and made it clearer, so it’s easier for doctors to apply in practice. And we’ve provided more advice, including steps to follow when making decisions in different circumstances.
The guidance reflects the law, policy and healthcare settings in all four countries of the UK.”
The consultation runs until Wednesday 23 January 2019 and there are several ways you can take part.
- Full questionnaire for medical and lay professionals (approx #22 questions) – aimed at those with a detailed working knowledge of the policy, practice and law around consent. You’ll need to read the guidance to answer the questions.
- A survey for doctors and other healthcare professionals (approx #21 questions) – aimed at those with a detailed working knowledge of the issues, but who may not have time to respond to the full questionnaire.
- A survey for patients, carers and members of the public (approx #14 questions)– aimed at those who may not be familiar with our guidance, but will have views on good consent practice.
