UK
Royal college defines good psychiatric practice
By Ashwin, UK Correspondent
Oct 26, 2004, 15:11

Good Psychiatric Practice is the title of a new report from the Council of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It replaces the College�s previous guidelines published in 2000, and sets out standards for the profession.
The new report is accompanied by extensive quotations from the General Medical Council�s guidance on Good Medical Practice (2001). Good Psychiatric Practice should be read in conjunction with other guidance documents published by the College in the Good Psychiatric Practice series.

Contents of the new report include guidance on:
- core attributes that contribute to the personal and professional skills required for good psychiatric practice
- forming and maintaining trusting relationships with patients, carers and colleagues in all disciplines
- good clinical care
- consent to treatment
- note-keeping; inter-agency and inter-professional communication
- good communication with patients and carers
- confidentiality
- availability of emergency care
- working as a member of a team
- referring patients
- clinical governance
- teaching and training
- research
- being a good employee and employer.

The two appendices cover basic knowledge and skills (competencies) in the specialties of psychiatry, and good practice within the psychiatric specialties.

Dr. David Roy, who led the team that produced the new report, commented, �This is the second and revised version of a report that lays down guidance on the attributes (and core skills) of the good psychiatrist. This guide spells out in much clearer terms than previously practice and conduct that would be considered as unacceptable for psychiatrists. The Royal College of Psychiatrists received positive feedback from psychiatrists and patients and carers following the publication of the first edition, and we anticipate that further improvements and clarity will contribute to the climate of openness and accountability in professional practice.�


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