What makes a good doctor?

We are reviewing Good Medical Practice to make sure that, in a time of great change for the health sector, it remains relevant for all doctors and reflects what patients and the profession think makes a good doctor.

Good Medical Practice sets out the principles and values that every doctor practising in the UK must follow.

It is the basis of our guidance on standards for medical education and training and will play a central part in appraisals when revalidation is introduced from late 2012.

‘Good Medical Practice has a vital role to play in keeping patients safe and improving professional standards,’ said Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the GMC.

‘The current edition has been used by countries all over the world which look to the UK as a leader in ethical principles for doctors. But we need to make sure it is up to date and reflects changes in the way healthcare is delivered. So we need to hear the views of patients, doctors and others working in healthcare about how doctors should be practising today.’

We will begin a major public consultation on draft new guidance in October this year, but to help us develop that we are looking for suggestions now on how Good Medical Practice could be improved.

This is the start of a wide-ranging conversation about what good medical practice today should be. We will be listening to the views of doctors through a range of online activities and face-to-face events throughout the UK.
 

How can I get involved?

If you have an idea for how we can improve Good Medical Practice, please visit our consultation website.

This early part of the consultation is open until 8 April 2011.