The UK General Medical Council (GMC) has commissioned
Opinion Leader Research to undertake a major piece of research to examine
what
rights
children
should be entitled to when receiving medical care. The research panel
will be based on the citizens' jury model.
The panel will be made up of 16 members of the public. They will be
asked to consider a number of issues, including whether children have
rights to confidentiality when requesting and receiving treatment. They
will hear evidence from a number of experts in the field before coming
to their conclusions.
The citizens' jury model presents members of the public with detailed
information about a particular issue. They hear evidence from expert
and lay witnesses, whom they can question, as well as read supporting
documentation. After sitting for four days, the jury will deliver their
verdict.
The rights of children when receiving treatment is being considered
as part of the review of the GMC’s guidance to all doctors called
Good Medical Practice. This guidance sets out the attitudes and behaviour
that is expected of a doctor, and is currently out for consultation as
part of an updating process. A new publication on doctors’ ethical
responsibilities when treating children is at an early stage of development
and will also be informed by the outcome of this event.
Sir Graeme Catto, President of the GMC, said,
“ This is the first
time we have used this method of consulting with the public to find out
their views on a subject, and I look forward to hearing the outcome.
The topic of advising doctors on children’s rights is obviously
of utmost importance, and we need to listen carefully to public opinion."
Opinion Leader Research is a research consultancy, which offers a range
of qualitative, quantitative and deliberative methods.
Vicky Cooke, from Opinion Leader Research, said:
“ We specialize
in helping organisations reach the audiences that matter to them. We
aim to help involve people in decision-making, and we’re looking
forward to working with the GMC in this initiative. Citizens’ juries
are a great way of hearing the views of ordinary people on a particular
subject.”
Note: The General Medical Council (GMC) licenses
doctors to practise medicine in the UK. Their purpose is summed up
in the phrase:
"Protecting patients, guiding doctors". According to the law, the GMC has
4 main functions, which are: keeping up-to-date registers of qualified
doctors;
fostering good medical practice;
promoting high standards of medical education;
dealing firmly and fairly with doctors whose fitness to practise is in
doubt.
News is included
on this website to inform visitors about current health issues, but
not to endorse
any particular view or activity. Material in this news item
was first released by the General Medical Council (GMC) on
14th September 2005. For further information, please visit their
website using the link below. |
