3.3 Ethics and Values Based Medicine

This section of our curriculum guide refers to statement 3.3, Ethics and Values Based Medicine, produced by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

Like all healthcare professionals, GPs have a duty to behave ethically and professionally. 

The provision of healthcare is guided by a framework of legal and ethical principles that are reflected in professional codes of practice. 

While general practice has focused on personalised care to individual patients, GPs also take part in public health programmes such as immunisation and health education, and have an obligation to use available resources efficiently to benefit all users of the healthcare system.

GPs need to be able to justify their decisions with reference to both the clinical evidence and the moral and other values that inform those decisions. The knowledge and skills acquired are applicable across the whole curriculum and should be incorporated into all aspects of clinical, managerial and research practice.

Here we have collated key articles from our journals to help you meet the curriculum requirements in this area.