Avoiding easy mistakes: Five medicolegal hazards for junior doctors

Introduction

Why are medicolegal issues important?

The number of doctors subject to GMC enquiries continues to grow and has risen by 32% since 2002. In 2008, more than 2% of doctors subject to fitness to practise hearings were erased and more than half were either suspended or had conditions on their registration. These statistics highlight why a grasp of medicolegal principles is crucial for any junior doctor. As doctors, we all make mistakes – even an experienced surgeon can slip up.

What is important is that you know how to respond to mistakes in the correct way. Most junior doctors are unsure about how medicine and law interact; this reflects a lack of teaching in medical schools, and a lack of understanding of how it works in practice.

Medicolegal principles underpin every move a clinician makes. In a climate where doctors have to justify their actions more and more to patients, colleagues and the GMC, knowing the medical law and guidance that surrounds one’s actions, will enable you to justify them. Good doctors apply clinical knowledge in a way that is legally and ethically correct. They will also know when to consult senior colleagues and avoid working in a vacuum. Simple things like writing concise and accurate records, getting valid consent from patients and knowing when to seek advice can help you practise safely.

This booklet takes you through the top five medicolegal hazards for junior doctors, and includes an example of how problems can arise in practice. If you need any further advice you can contact MPS online or by phone. This will help you go onto the wards more confident that you will be able to practise safely.