raising and acting on concerns about patient safety general medical council [email protected]
TRANSCRIPT
Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety
General Medical Council
www.gmc-uk.org/raisingconcerns
Background: The GMC’s statutory power to advise
The Medical Act 1983 gives the GMC power to provide, in such manner as the Council think fit, advice for members of the medical profession on:
standards of professional conduct; standards of professional performance; or medical ethics
Good Practice inPrescribing
Good Practice inPrescribing
Reporting ConvictionsReporting
Convictions
Personal Beliefs in Medical PracticePersonal Beliefs
in Medical Practice
Acting as anExpert WitnessActing as an
Expert Witness
Good practice inResearch &
Consent to research
Good practice inResearch &
Consent to research
Background: The GMC’s Guidance on good practice
Overview: Raising and acting on concerns
Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety sets out the GMC’s expectation that all doctors will, whatever their role, take appropriate action to raise and act on concerns about patient care, dignity and safety.
Development of Raising and acting on concerns
Last review was 2004/6 – published Raising concerns about patient safety in 2006
Part of the regular review of all GMC guidance to ensure it is: Up to date Reflects a consensus between doctors and the
public Is relevant to doctors’ practice
This review started in November 2009 New edition published in January 2012
Development: Initial scoping and Consultation
Working group formed April 2010
Consultation launched 7 March; closed 3 June 2011
Two separate questionnaires (long and short)
Also consulted on Leadership and management for all doctors and Writing references
Publication follows nearly two years of development, Jan 2009 – Jan 2011
Summary of Raising and acting on concerns
Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety:
Sets out the duty of all doctors to act when concerned about patient safety, care or dignity.
The first time raising and acting on concerns bought together within a single document. Part 1: Raising a concern Part 2: Acting on a concern
Published in January 2012, the guidance came into effect 12 March 2012
Part 1: Raising a concern
Above all, put the matter right if possible
Duty to raise concerns:
‘All doctors have a duty to raise concerns where they believe that patient safety or care is being compromised by the practice of colleagues or the systems, policies and procedures in the organisations in which they work.’ (para 7)
‘Gagging’ clauses – not to be signed
Part 1: Raising a concern cont…
Recognises that there can be obstacles
Outlines the steps to raise a concern Adverse incident reporting Raise internally Raise with a regulator Making a concern public
Help and advice
Part 2: Acting on a concern
Once again: put matters right if possible
And: ‘All doctors have a responsibility to encourage
and support a culture in which staff can raise concerns openly and safely.’ (para 19)
If a doctor has ‘extra responsibilities’: Ensure systems are in place to raise
concerns ‘Gagging’ clauses – not to be promoted Protect those that raise concerns
Part 2: Acting on a concern cont…
When investigating concerns: Responsibility towards those who raise a concern
And: Investigations consistent with the law Those investigated treated fairly Relevant bodies informed Recommendations implemented or referred to
senior management Patients receive an apology (if appropriate)
Learning materials
Case study on raising and acting on concerns about patient safety: Part 1: Putting matters right Part 2: Raising a concern internally
Good Medical Practice in Action
