GMC Says Doctors Must Not Allow Their Beliefs To Compromise Patient Care, UK

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 25 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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New GMC guidance published online says that doctors must not allow their personal beliefs to compromise patient care. The guidance explores how doctors should deal with a range of dilemmas including abortion, the wearing of face-veils and male circumcision. It also looks at patients' own beliefs and how they can affect the doctor/patient relationship.

Personal Beliefs and Medical Practice has been developed in response to an increasing number of enquiries about doctors' and patients' personal, religious and moral beliefs. It expands on principles set out in the GMC's core guidance, Good Medical Practice 2006 which says that doctors must not discriminate against patients by allowing their personal views to affect their professional relationship adversely.

The guidance recognises that all doctors have personal beliefs which may affect their day-to-day practice. It clarifies the distinction between conscientious objection to a procedure and discrimination against a patient or group of patients.

The guidance tackles questions such as:

- Is it ever appropriate for doctors to discuss matters of religious faith with their patients?
- A patient asks for abortion advice from a doctor who believes it is morally wrong. Is that doctor expected to refer the patient to a colleague?
- Does the GMC think female Muslim doctors should be able to wear a face veil at work?
- A doctor has been asked to circumcise a male child. There is no medical reason for the procedure. Should they refuse?

Dr John Jenkins, Chair, GMC Standards and Ethics Committee said:

"The GMC recognises that personal beliefs, values, and cultural and religious practises are central to the lives of doctors and patients. The guidance balances a doctors' right to practise in accordance with their views and beliefs, and patients' right to receive timely and appropriate medical care. We are clear that doctors must not mislead patients about the options available to them or leave them with nowhere to turn. We hope this guidance will help doctors understand how to apply the GMC's principles in their day-to-day practice".

Katherine Murphy, Director of Communications, The Patients' Association said:

"The Patients' Association welcomes this guidance. Most doctors are good doctors who treat patients with respect - regardless of patients' life-style or beliefs. This guidance will reassure patients that doctors are expected to put patient care first, over and above their own personal views.

"The guidance makes it clear that doctors must also take note of patients' beliefs and religious practices, especially where they may be relevant to treatment options."

Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf, Fellow, Interfaith Alliance said:

"The Interfaith Alliance represents thousands of people of different faiths, including both patients and doctors. We strongly support the GMC's commitment to providing guidance for doctors on issues of belief and faith in clinical practice. Doctors are in a position of power in relation to their patients - this guidance makes it clear that any attempt by doctors to impose their religious or political views would be an abuse of that power."

The guidance is available at http://www.gmc-uk.org

General Medical Council