GMC updates ethical guidance to tackle toxic cultures and social media use

New duties for doctors to tackle toxic cultures that threaten patient safety and staff retention are among proposals for the updated GMC core ethical guidance.

Good medical practice outlines the professional values, knowledge and behaviours expected of doctors working in the UK and was last updated in 2013. A 12-week consultation has now been launched.

The GMC says that the updated draft follows months of working with doctor, employer and patient representatives, as well as other stakeholders, and reflects the issues faced in modern-day healthcare workplaces.

Included for the first time is a duty for doctors to act, or support others to act, if they become aware of workplace bullying, harassment or discrimination, as well as zero tolerance of sexual harassment.

The draft guidance also responds to calls from doctors for greater clarity on their use of social media. A new duty makes clear that they must not use digital communications channels to mislead, and they should ‘make reasonable checks’ to avoid doing so.

For the first time the guidance – which will also apply to Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates when they come under GMC regulation – proposes 12 commitments, including:

• Make the care of patients my first concern.
• Demonstrate leadership within my role, and work with others to make healthcare environments more supportive, inclusive and fair
• Provide a good standard of practice and care, and be honest and open when things go wrong.
• Ensure my conduct justifies my patients’ trust in me and the public’s trust in my profession.

Ethical practice in a world of increasingly complex medicine

The draft updated Good medical practice runs to 16 pages and provides detailed guidance for medical professionals covering areas including ‘working with colleagues’, ‘working with patients’, ‘professional capabilities’ and ‘maintaining trust’.

GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey said: “Good medical practice is not a set of rules, but it is the bedrock that helps guide ethical practice in a world of increasingly complex medicine. This update is designed to reflect the type of fair, inclusive and compassionate workplaces we all want to see, and that are good for doctors as well as for patients.

“There is a lot of evidence of the damage bad workplace cultures can do to patient safety and, ultimately, to the UK’s ability to retain the healthcare professionals it needs. Toxic cultures can also spread online, undermining public trust in the medical profession.

“It is important our guidance reflects the reality of what doctors face and the cultures many are working in, and that it supports them to be able to do the best for their patients and for their colleagues.”

The GMC’s consultation on the draft updated Good medical practice runs until Wednesday 20 July.