A consultation on updated guidance detailing how doctors can practice in line with their own personal religious beliefs and values, while maintaining good and safe care of their patients, was launched on Thursday by the General Medical Council (GMC).
The guidance covers doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (Aas) in the UK talking about their own beliefs with patients. It says they must not impose their own beliefs and values on patients and that discussions should remain relevant to the patient’s care and treatment and should not breach professional boundaries.
Personal beliefs can cover religious, moral or ethical concerns that might influence the way doctors, practice. If doctors, PAs or AAs have a conscientious objection, for example, around abortion or gender identity, the proposed guidance makes clear the patient must be prioritised. It says that such an objection must not prevent someone being able to access the care or service they need.
If a patient refuses a procedure or treatment because of their beliefs, the guidance says their decision must be respected, even if the person treating them disagrees with it.
If a patient requests treatment that is not for medical reasons but instead related to religious beliefs or cultural practices, the draft guidance sets out the considerations that doctors, PAs and AAs need to make. These include ensuring they have appropriate consent, and that they possess the knowledge and skills to perform safely.
Existing GMC guidance states that doctors must not express "personal beliefs (including political, religious and moral beliefs) to patients in ways that exploit their vulnerability or could reasonably cause them distress."
The GMC says its updated guidance is intended to reflect legal, social and cultural changes in the thirteen years since its personal beliefs and medical practice guidance was last updated.
There’s an increased focus on talking to patients to understand what is important to them, which may include their beliefs and how those might shape their preferences and priorities about their care.
There is also new and updated content covering doctors, PAs and AAs talking to their employers about how their beliefs might influence their practice, as well as workplace interactions with colleagues.
GMC Chief Executive Charlie Massey said: “Personal beliefs and values – which might be religious, moral or philosophical – can be central to the lives of registrants as well as to their patients. It is important our guidance remains up to date, relevant and applicable across UK healthcare, and helps create workplaces that are respectful, fair, supportive and compassionate.
“Our draft updated guidance, which we’re now seeking views on, has been developed using insights and expertise from across healthcare and beyond. Now we want organisations and individuals to give us their views, as those perspectives will help us make sure this guidance is clear and helpful.”
The 12-week consultation which ends on 11th June, doesn’t cover personal beliefs expressed outside work.
A final version of the guidance is set to be published next year.