But what are the rules surrounding this and what do doctors need to know?

If you’re not careful revalidation can take up more time, money and energy than you expect.

All qualified GPs should be participating in annual appraisal. They will be collecting supporting information for each appraisal, and for revalidation this information will be submitted to responsible officers who will make their recommendations to the GMC.

Revalidation is the process by which all doctors who wish to retain their licences must demonstrate to the GMC that they are up to date, fit to practise and complying with relevant professional standards.

A recent Supreme Court decision, Darnley v Croydon Health Services NHS Trust [2018] UKSC 50, has raised questions about the role of non-clinical staff in patient care. The judgment criticised the actions of a receptionist in an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department – Joseph McCaughley, litigation solicitor at Medical Protection, looks at the ramifications of the case

The NHS has released new guidance to help doctors, nurses and other staff safely use instant messaging during emergencies

Dr John Jolly, head of member risk education, and Dr Karen Ellison, medicolegal consultant, look at the reasons behind medicolegal cases reported to us at Medical Protection.

Intimate examinations are something that every GP will have to carry out at some point in their career, but it’s important that they are conducted in an appropriate manner, especially if one is required during a home visit. Dr Gabrielle Pendlebury, medicolegal consultant at Medical Protection, gives her advice on how best to manage these situations

You are concerned there’s a small chance a patient might have cancer. You want to refer them for tests. Do you tell them the possible, albeit unlikely, diagnosis and risk upsetting or scaring them? Or do you try and keep them calm and not mention the C word at all?