In August, the GMC released their updated patient care and professional behaviour standards that will come into effect as of January 30th 2024. The purpose of the Good Medical Practice is to ensure doctors in the UK across all specialties and levels are adhering to these updated regulations on this framework, so that patient care is at the forefront of everything they do.

As a healthcare professional registered with the GMC, there are certain duties you must meet across four different areas.

Knowledge, skills and development

  • Ensure you are providing sufficient levels of practice and care, and always work within your capabilities and what you’re confident in doing.
  • Keep up to date with the relevant training to ensure your knowledge and skills are up to date with the current rules and regulations.

Patients, partnership and communication

  • It’s vitally important to respect every patient and their dignity, whilst always keeping in mind to treat them like an individual.
  • Always listen to your patients and work alongside them and their wishes. By supporting them in their decisions and opinions, you will help to guide them into making informed decisions for their care.
  • Patients personal information should always be kept private and confidential at all times.

Colleagues, culture and safety

  • Working within a team means it’s important to be willing to work closely with your colleagues, in the best possible way to serve your patients. Additionally, you must also be able to lead and follow circumstances as required.
  • On your team, you may work with healthcare professionals of all different levels, therefore you should be willing to share your knowledge and expertise with your fellow colleagues. This could be through training, teaching, mentoring or coaching.
  • To create a supportive and fair working and training environment, you should always treat others with respect and create an open atmosphere. This way, yourself and your colleagues will feel safe to ask questions and raise concerns.
  • If patient safety is compromised, you must be able too act quickly and promptly to resolve the manner to the best of your capabilities.
  • If you feel you’re not fit for work, you should always take care and prioritise your own health and wellbeing.

Trust and professionalism

  • As a healthcare professional, it’s imperative you always act with honesty, integrity, and be transparent at all times.
  • It’s your duty to protect and promote the health of patients and the public.
  • You should never discriminate or treat patients of colleagues unfairly in any manner.
  • In your profession, you must never compromise patients’ trust in yourself or the public’s trust.

To find out the complete and full list of changes coming to effect on 30th January 2024  take a read of the GMC’s latest Good Medical Practice guidance here.

If you have any further questions about the changes coming into play next year, reach out to your recruitment consultant. Alternatively, you can let us know your thoughts by getting in touch with us today.

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