good medical practice


good medical practice

A term that refers to a series of standards delineated in the GMC’s publication Good Medical Practice, which sets out the principles and values on which good practice in the UK is founded, and describes medical professionalism in action. The guidance addresses doctors, but it also informs the public about what to expect from doctors.

Good Medical Practice

A booklet, published by the General Medical Council (GMC) for the attention of all doctors. It lays down the principles of high quality practice and the standards of competence, care and conduct they are expected to maintain in their professional work. From 2005 registration with the GMC will no longer be a sufficient qualification for British doctors. All will require a license to practice for which they must be revalidated. The purpose of REVALIDATION is to establish that a doctor complies with the standards laid down in this pamphlet. Good Medical practice requires that every doctor must be professionally competent, honest and trustworthy; must perform consistently well; practise ethically; do patients no harm; avoid allowing personal beliefs to prejudice patient care; be an effective team player; and take action if poor practice by a colleague places patients at unnecessary risk. Patients' welfare must be their first concern; they must treat patients politely and considerately; respect their dignity, privacy and right to be involved in decisions concerning them; listen to them and respect their views; and explain medical matter clearly in terms they can understand.