Throughout history, doctors have treated patients, and doctors have made mistakes. We delve deep into the past to see what doctors used to get away with

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that healthcare professionals across the UK no longer need to seek legal permission to withdraw treatment from patients in a permanent vegetative state

Mental capacity is the ability to make a decision. If a person lacks capacity, they have an impairment or disturbance that leaves them unable to make a decision. A patient’s capacity to make decisions about their own care is a fundamental part of matters relating to end of life care

When consenting for a procedure, wherever there is a risk of death – no matter how small – would you always mention this risk?

A procurator fiscal investigates all sudden and suspicious deaths in Scotland, conducts fatal accident inquiries and handles criminal complaints against the police. There are 11 procurator fiscals, each covering a specific geographical location within Scotland, who between them investigate around 14,000 sudden deaths each year

In a recent Medical Protection survey almost a third of doctors questioned were not comfortable discussing organ donation with a patient. With different laws across the UK and further changes imminent, this is maybe not surprising

As a doctor, you may be asked to give evidence at an inquest, which is conducted by the coroner and, in some cases, in front of a jury. Find out what happens and how you can ensure you’re prepared

When treating a patient who is close to death, clear communication and collective decision-making are as important as any clinical intervention

Confidentiality is at the centre of maintaining trust between patients and doctors. But what are your obligations to a patient after they have died?

Guidance from NHS England underlines the importance of clear and honest communication when treating a patient who has reached the end of life.

Sepsis is a serious condition, with significant medicolegal risk. Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Education Services Lead (UK) at Medical Protection, looks at where the risk lies

From April 2019, the new role of medical examiner will be introduced into the process for investigating the deaths of patients. Dr Ben Lobo, consultant physician, geriatrician and medical examiner, and Dr Ewen Ross, medicolegal consultant at Medical Protection, look at what this means for you