How this guidance applies to you

In this guidance, the terms ‘you must’ and ‘you should’ are used in the following ways.

• ‘You must’ is used for an overriding duty or principle.
• ‘You should’ is used when we are providing an explanation of how you will meet the overriding duty.
• ‘You should’ is also used where the duty or principle will not apply in all situations or ircumstances, or where there are factors outside your control that affect whether or how you can follow this guidance.

You must be prepared to explain and justify your decisions and actions. Serious or persistent failure to follow this guidance will put your registration, and so your right to practise medicine in the UK, at risk.