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Good Medical Practice (2006)

Relationships with patients

Good communication – paragraphs 22-23

22. To communicate effectively you must:
    
    1. listen to patients, ask for and respect their views about their health, and respond to their concerns and preferences
    2. share with patients, in a way they can understand, the information they want or need to know about their condition, its likely progression, and the treatment options available to them, including associated risks and uncertainties
    3. respond to patients’ questions and keep them informed about the progress of their care
    4. make sure that patients are informed about how information is shared within teams and among those who will be providing their care.
       
       
23. You must make sure, wherever practical, that arrangements are made to meet patients’ language and communication needs.