Issue 1

A question of consent

A recent Supreme Court judgment introduced the concept of 'informed consent' to the law of negligence. Dr Udvitha Nandasoma reviews the ethical and legal challenges in the complex area of consent, which is central to the provision of medical treatment.

Dr Udvitha Nandasoma 29

Photo credit: © Corbis

Patients behaving badly

Patients who demonstrate challenging behaviours towards healthcare or administrative staff may respond well to an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement.

Dr Ellie Mein16

Leader

Perceptions of risk

Although it is impossible to entirely eliminate risk from medical practice, the MDU provides a model of defence supported by expert evidence. This model provides the greatest benefits for members

Dr Christine Tomkins8

Image of swimmer Amy Van Dyken. Credit: Getty

Feature

Breathing lessons

Asthma care has been under the spotlight since the publication of an RCP report last year. Dr Beverley Ward explains how its disturbing findings present opportunities to improve asthma services.

Dr Beverley Ward8

Shelf of medical records. Credit: Getty Images

Feature

Closing down a private practice - your responsibilities

Patients and their records are your main priorities, and form part of the medico-legal considerations involved with practice closure

Mr Jerard Ross3

Image of clock on chair. Image: Getty Images

Feature

Closing your practice - staff management considerations

When you decide to wind down your practice, there are two possible routes - you close it completely, or you sell the practice on. Either way, there are obligations on you to ensure that you manage it correctly in the eyes of the law, particularly in respect of your employees.

Nicola Mullineux2

Feature

Behind the scenes of a clinical negligence claim

The factors that can affect the outcome of a clinical negligence claim might surprise you.

Dr Thom Petty6

Image of courtroom from Anatomy Of A Murder. Credit: Alamy

In focus

Courts take harder line on timetables

Expert witnesses are warned to think carefully before taking on medico-legal work.

Aidan Scully, Joanne Brooks6

Image of consultant on phone. Credit: Corbis

Feature

Telephone discussions with colleagues - can technology help?

There are innovative ways of eliminating error and misunderstanding from GP-consultant telephone consultations

Dr Michael Devlin4

If being ill has taught me anything about being a doctor, it is the importance of seeing a patient as a person and not just a condition.

Dr Kate Granger, founder of #hellomynameis

Interview

Hello, my name is...Kate

Good communication with patients is the first step to compassionate care. Dr Kate Granger explains the origins of her social media campaign to make a difference for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Image of HCA weighing patient. Credit: Science Photo Library

In focus

Training for HCAs

Training standards for Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) are now mandatory for all new starters.

Dr Ellie Mein, Dr Sissy Frank5

Image of doctor treating rugby player on field. Credit: Alamy

In focus

New Approved Practice Settings (APS) rules

Changes to the APS scheme in June 2014 now allow doctors more flexibility to practise in different settings (as a locum or volunteer medic, for example) provided you maintain your connection to your designated body

Eloise Aspinall3