What's on the horizon: Countdown to Good Medical Practice 2024
On 30 January 2024, the updated version of Good Medical Practice (GMP) will replace the existing version, which has been in place for over 10 years.
This brief article looks ahead to the release date and summarises the key changes. However, there is no substitute for reading the new version in full. To assist with this, the General Medical Council (GMC) has produced a handy table outlining the changes between the 2013 document and the 2024 version.
Let’s dive in.
The four key domains underpinning the guidance remain. However, their names have been updated to reflect changes in the profession over the last decade.
Domain 1. Knowledge, Skills and Performance becomes Knowledge, Skills and Development. Importantly, the 2024 version introduces competency requirements for formal leadership roles. It also emphasises contributions to healthcare improvements and addresses unconscious bias. Additionally, it provides guidelines for remote consultations and includes sustainability considerations.
Domain 2. Safety and Quality becomes Patients, Partnership and Communication. The 2024 version focuses on patient-centric approaches. In particular, it offers detailed guidance on working in partnership with patients. It also highlights lawful consent processes. Moreover, it emphasises doctors’ responsibilities when harm or distress occurs.
Domain 3. Communication, Partnership and Teamwork becomes Colleagues, Culture and Safety. Unlike the 2013 version, the 2024 edition significantly focuses on organisational culture. It actively promotes a fair and discrimination-free environment. Furthermore, it introduces standards for leaders and emphasises safety culture. In doing so, it addresses discrimination, abuse, and inappropriate behaviour.
Domain 4. Maintaining Trust becomes Trust and Professionalism. This version continues to focus on honesty, trustworthiness, and patient confidentiality. Additionally, it introduces considerations for social media and instant messaging platforms. It further emphasises the need for comprehensive insurance coverage and regular reviews.
When reading the full document, please pay special attention to the definitions of ‘must’ and ‘should.’ The GMC explains their use as follows:
‘You must’ indicates a legal or ethical duty you are expected to meet, and you must also justify why you did not meet it. In contrast, ‘you should’ refers to duties or principles that may not apply to you or your situation. Moreover, you may not be able to comply due to factors outside your control.
In conclusion, we hope you find this condensed summary useful. Regulatory Defence has extensive experience navigating GMC guidance, processes, and procedures.
We would encourage practitioners to contact us if they have any queries relating to this or any other aspect of their fitness to practise. An experienced regulatory healthcare lawyer is on hand to provide support and advice.