Every UK doctor will have to meet the professional standards set out in the GMC’s new Good Medical Practice. Charlotte Hudson outlines why good communication is particularly important for sessional GPs.
In general practice communication has to extend to a wide range of people, so there are many opportunities for it to fail. Communication between primary, secondary, voluntary and social care should be viewed, not as a chain, but as a communication net.
As a locum GP visiting different practices, you may feel a little out of the loop with who is doing what in the practice, and understanding the part they play. Colleagues should share patient information with you to ensure good continuity of care, as long as it is balanced with the need to maintain confidentiality.