Competencies in Occupational Health/Health and Work for medical undergraduates

Competency 3 - Good Clinical Care: Communication

Objective: to develop reflective communication between healthcare professionals, employers and employees

AREA OF COMPETENCE:

CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYERS/MANAGERS

Doctors in general have a number of roles and duties. The General Medical Council (GMC) is the pre-eminent body ruling on the ethical behaviour of doctors. It sets out the standards, conduct and behaviour expected of all doctors.

Areas of such behaviour include confidentiality, competence, relationships with patients and duty of care.

The overriding principal underpinning any medical consultation is the doctor's responsibility to put the interest of individual patient first.

In situations where information about patients or employees is discussed with third parties (e.g. employers/managers) it is important to adhere to the code of practice as set out by the GMC.