GMC Guidance: All Reasonable Treatment Options - The Power of the MDT

Description

In this medicolegal session led by Simon, the focus is on the issue of consent in trauma cases and how to navigate the complexities of medicolegal challenges. The session starts with an overview of General Medical Council (GMC) guidance on consent, particularly in emergency situations, emphasizing the need for understanding legal frameworks and best practices to avoid liability. Simon discusses the limited guidance available for trauma situations and the importance of collaborative decision-making within multidisciplinary teams (MDT), highlighting how this collaborative approach can strengthen defenses against lawsuits.



The session addresses the standards for treatment options available to patients, emphasizing the distinction between reasonable treatment alternatives and mere options presented by the medical team. Simon draws upon recent Supreme Court judgments that clarify how reasonable treatment is defined through clinical judgment rather than patient preference, reinforcing the necessity of appropriate information sharing without overwhelming the patient.



Simon uses historical cases as examples to illustrate how courts evaluate the responsibility of medical professionals in relation to patient consent, emphasizing that decisions made during MDT discussions carry significant weight in legal contexts. The presentation covers the critical role of documentation in protecting against legal accountability and reassures practitioners that they are unlikely to be sued for consent issues if they adhere to established guidelines and demonstrate best practices in clinical care. The session concludes with an encouraging message for healthcare providers, emphasizing the supportive legal framework guiding trauma care.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-240915

Specialties