Good Medical Practice

'Good Medical Practice', produced by the GMC, is a set of professional standards which describe what it means to be a good doctor.

Good medical practice sets out the principles, values, and standards of care and professional behaviour expected of all medical professionals registered with us. It is an ethical framework, which supports medical professionals to deliver safe care to a good standard, in the interests of patients.

Updated 'Good Medical Practice' from 30 January - what's changed?

In January 2024, 'Good Medical Practice' has been significantly re-structured.

Whilst the core principles of 'Good Medical Practice' remain, the 2024 version is the product of various significant developments over the last decade, including changes in the law on consent, the impact of the pandemic and remote working, the drive towards a more patient-centred approach to care and the overall cultural shift towards more open and supportive working environments, all of which are reflective of the ever-changing landscape to which doctors are having to adapt.

The Duties of Medical Professionals Registered with the GMC

Patients must be able to trust medical professionals with their lives and health. To justify that trust you must make the care of patients your first concern, and meet the standards expected of you in all four domains.

Whilst the standards continue to be split into 4 'domains' as before, the titles of those domains are as follows:

1) Knowledge, skills and development

Provide a good standard of practice and care, and work within your competence.
Keep your knowledge and skills up to date.

2) Patients, partnership and communication

Respect every patient’s dignity and treat them as an individual.
Listen to patients and work in partnership with them, supporting them to make informed decisions about their care.
Protect patients’ personal information from improper disclosure.

3) Colleagues, culture and safety

Work with colleagues in ways that best serve the interests of patients, being willing to lead or follow as circumstances require.
Be willing to share your knowledge, skills and experience with colleagues, whether informally or through teaching, training, mentoring or coaching.
Treat people with respect and help to create a working and training environment that is compassionate, supportive and fair, where everyone feels safe to ask questions, talk about errors and raise concerns.
Act promptly if you think that patient safety or dignity may be seriously compromised.
Take care of your own health and wellbeing needs, recognising and taking appropriate action if you may not be fit to work.

4) Trust and professionalism