Good Surgical Practice published by RCS

Standards for surgical practice and achieving high-quality care outlined in new Good Surgical Practice published by RCS

The Royal College of Surgeons of England today launched Good Surgical Practice outlining clear standards expected of all surgeons. The guide outlines the skills, values and attitudes that underpin the profession and has been developed with surgeons and patient groups. Good Surgical Practice has been updated following the recent release of the General Medical Council’s re-working of Good Medical Practice and addresses some of the key challenges facing the profession today.

Collaborative working and patient safety shines through as a core message in the guide. In light of the launch of revalidation for all doctors at the beginning of this year, the publication of the Francis Inquiry report in 2013 and increasing focus on quality of care, transparency and professionalism, the guide recommends surgeons should ensure they are effectively working in multidisciplinary teams to improve communication with patients and the decision making process.  Surgical leadership and teamwork are crucial for achieving high-quality patient care and this guide provides surgeons with a model that they should aspire to in day to day practice.

Good Surgical Practice provides guidance around 4 core areas which reflect the four domains of the GMC’s Good Medical Practice:

• Knowledge, skills and performance 
• Safety and Quality
• Communication, partnership, teamwork
• Maintaining trust

Miss Clare Marx, President of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) said:

“Good Surgical Practice is an essential resource for anyone in the profession throughout their careers, as they seek to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.

Surgeons need to be supported to navigate the challenges faced by the profession and deliver the best quality care possible.

We should all aspire to the standards outlined in this guide and continue to work together effectively across teams and specialties in the delivery of care.”

Miss Clare Marx will be presenting Good Surgical Practice to staff at UHSM, Wythenshawe, Manchester on 10 September 2014.

Download Good Surgical Practice 2014 here.