Good Medical Practice in Paediatrics and Child Health

Good Medical Practice - May 2002Working with colleaguesTreating colleagues fairly34. You must always treat your colleagues fairly. In accordance with the law, you mustnot discriminate against colleagues, including those applying for posts, on grounds oftheir sex, race or disability. And you must not allow your views of colleagues’ lifestyle,culture, beliefs, colour, gender, sexuality, or age to prejudice your professional relationshipwith them.35. You must not undermine patients’ trust in the care or treatment they receive, or inthe judgment of those treating them, by making malicious or unfounded criticisms ofcolleagues.Unacceptable practice:• Prejudiced behaviour, bullying or harassment of colleagues, including non-consultant careergrade doctors, trainees and colleagues in nursing, professions allied to medicine or non healthcareworkersWorking in teams36. Healthcare is increasingly provided by multi-disciplinary teams. Working in a teamdoes not change your personal accountability for your professional conduct and the careyou provide. When working in a team you must:a. Respect the skills and contributions of your colleagues.b. Maintain professional relationships with patientsc. Communicate effectively with colleagues within and outside the team.d. Make sure that your patients and colleagues understand your professional status andspecialty, your role and responsibilities in the team and who is responsible for eachaspect of patients’ care.e. Participate in regular reviews and audit of the standards and performance of theteam, taking steps to remedy any deficiencies.f. Be willing to deal openly and supportively with problems in the performance, conductor health of team members.• Almost all paediatricians work in multi-disciplinary teams. In addition the roles of nursesand midwives are expanding and there are now advanced nurse practitioners and nurseconsultants in most specialties. Paediatricians must work constructively with all membersof the team to build mutual respect and confidence.20