GMC reviews guidance for doctors on involving patients in research

Appeal for views about changes to guidance for doctors regarding filming or making audio recordings of patients and undertaking research.

The GMC is calling for people to give their input on guidance that doctors must follow when filming or making audio recordings of patients and undertaking research.

Three areas of guidance are being updated as part of the consultation.

Good Practice in Research covers areas such as research design, probity and non discrimination. For example, if a doctor believes that someone is being put at risk by participating in research or by the behaviour of anyone conducting the research, then they must report any concerns.

Consent to Research provides guidance on seeking consent to research. For example, when obtaining consent, the doctor should ensure that people are given information in a way that they can understand and that they are clear on the proposed research method.

Making and using audio and visual recordings of patients looks mainly at confidentiality and consent issues when visual or audio recordings are made. This includes clinical photographs for assessment or research and case studies for use in teaching.

Ros Levenson, GMC Council member said: “Maintaining patient confidentiality for example while undertaking important medical research can be a difficult balancing act so it is important we get this right.

“Our guidance aims to give practical advice to doctors but may also be useful for patients who can learn more about what they can expect from their doctor.”

GMC supplementary guidance builds upon the principles and advice in Good Medical Practice or other guidance, and explains how the guidance is relevant in particular situations.

To take part in the consultation, please visit  www.gmc-uk.org. The consultations close on 25 September 2009.