Good Medical Practice (2006)

Relationships with patients

Relationships based on openness, trust and good communication will enable you to work in partnership with your patients to address their individual needs.
To fulfil your role in the doctor-patient partnership you must:
1. be polite, considerate and honest
2. treat patients with dignity
3. treat each patient as an individual
4. respect patients’ privacy and right to confidentiality
5. support patients in caring for themselves to improve and maintain their health
6. encourage patients who have knowledge about their condition to use this when they are making decisions about their care.