“Respect for the autonomous choices of persons runs as deep in common morality as any principle.” – TL Beauchamp and JF Childress, Principles of Biomedical Ethics (2001)

According to a recent study, patients displaying ‘difficult’ behaviour increase GPs’ risk of getting a diagnosis wrong. Kirsty Plowman reports

The GMC states that “Whether or not you have vulnerable children or young people as patients, you should consider their needs and welfare and offer them help if you think their rights have been abused or denied.” Surgery consultations, home visits, accident and emergency admissions and contact with other professionals who work with children help to build up a picture of a child’s situation.

A doctor’s primary concern is to do their best for their patients; this includes giving advice and treatment, and arranging investigations in accordance with the current evidence base and the patient’s best interests.

Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, MPS medicolegal adviser and spokesperson. She advises and supports healthcare professionals predominantly in the UK and Asia, and has a specialist interest in emerging matters. Dr Bradshaw has had articles placed in leading medical trade publications on a number of legal and ethical issues. Here, she discusses the unique risks that can come with treating patients at Christmas time