MPS’s response to the GMC’s ‘Good Medical Practice explanatory guidance consultation’

If the volume and complexity of guidance is too burdensome, busy doctors may find it difficult to read and rely on

We welcome the opportunity to comment on the nine pieces of explanatory guidance for Good Medical Practice. An overall objective of GMC guidance should be that it is clear, concise and accessible. If the volume and complexity of guidance is too burdensome, busy doctors may find it difficult to read and rely on. For this reason we are concerned about the level of detail contained within the explanatory documents.

We feel that much of the information is unnecessary as it is covered in sufficient detail elsewhere. For example, guidance on Ending your professional relationship with a patient does not substantively add to the guidance laid out in Good Medical Practice.

Good Medical Practice by itself should be authoritative. If additional guidance is deemed necessary, for example on doctors’ use of social media, it needs to be clear, to the point and contained within the main body of Good Medical Practice. It is unnecessary and unrealistic to expect doctors with highly demanding workloads to consult non-essential additional guidance.

Read the full consultation response >>

More information

For more information, see the attachment on the right or contact Shelley McNicol, MPS Head of Communications or another member of our policy team.