Leadership and management for all doctors General Medical Council

Overview: Leadership and management for all doctors Leadership and management for all doctors sets out the wider management and leadership responsibilities of doctors in the workplace, including:  responsibilities relating to employment issues  teaching and training  planning, using and managing resources  raising and acting on concerns  helping to develop and improve services. The guidance applies to all doctors, whether they work directly with patients or in a formal management role.

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 in Prescribing Good Practice in Prescribing Reporting Convictions Reporting Convictions Personal Beliefs in Medical Practice Personal Beliefs in Medical Practice Acting as an Expert Witness Acting as an Expert Witness Good practice in Research & Consent to research Good practice in Research & Consent to research Background: The GMC’s Guidance on good practice

Development of Leadership and management  Last review was 2004/6 – published Management for doctors 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  Early scoping of likely issues between Nov 09 and Jan 10; Working group formed April 2010  Consultation launched 7 March; closed 3 June 2011  Two separate questionnaires (long and short)  Also consulted on Raising and acting on concerns about patient safety and Writing references  Publication follows two years of development, Jan 2009 – Jan 2011

Summary of Leadership and management Leadership and management for all doctors:  Establishes a framework of principles within which doctors can exercise professional judgement  Sets out the wider management and leadership responsibilities of doctors in the workplace  Recognises that the implementation of principles will differ depending on role/responsibilities  Emphasises promoting strong and effective management and leadership for all doctors The guidance was published in January and came into effect 12 March 2012

What’s new in Leadership and management? New guidance on:  Duties of a doctor in the workplace  Leadership  Planning, using and managing resources  Induction and mentoring  Performance review and revalidation And the guidance is separated to apply to ‘all doctors’ and ‘doctors with extra responsibilities’

What’s new: Duties of a doctor in the workplace Doctors must:  Engage with colleagues to maintain and improve the safety and quality of patient care.  Contribute to discussions and decisions about improving the quality of services and outcomes.  Raise and act on concerns about patient safety.  Demonstrate effective team working and leadership.  Promote a working environment free from unfair discrimination, bullying and harassment, bearing in mind that colleagues and patients come from diverse backgrounds.  Contribute to teaching and training doctors and other healthcare professionals, including by acting as a positive role model.  Use resources efficiently for the benefit of patients and the public. (para 2)

What’s new: Leadership  Focus on wider management and leadership responsibilities of doctors in the workplace  Concept of ‘Shared leadership’:  ‘The formal leader of the team is accountable for the performance of the team, but the responsibility for identifying problems, solving them and implementing the appropriate action is shared by the team as a whole.’ (para 3)

What’s new: Using resources  A new, clearer approach to the skills and competencies that all doctors need to effectively manage resources: ‘Whatever your role or level in your organisation, whether you are a junior, non-training grade or other doctor, you should be willing to demonstrate leadership in managing and using resources effectively.’ (para 79)

What’s new: Induction  Emphasis on the importance of access to induction and mentoring for all doctors: ‘You must take part in the induction offered by your employer when you join an organisation or move into a new role. You should also contribute to the induction of colleagues when asked.’ (para 54)  And, doctors with ‘extra responsibilities’ must ensure induction is provided.

Learning materials  Case study on raising and acting on concerns about patient safety  Webpage exploring ‘shared leadership’  Online resources to help doctors with difficult discussions with their patients  Good Medical Practice in Action

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