12 November 2004
Doctors should take a more active role in the management and design of health services, according to a leading health care think-tank.
A King's Fund report published on November 11 calls on ministers and managers to allow doctors the freedom to exercise their own judgement over clinical priorities.
But, in return, doctors should be more responsive to patients' expectations, especially as confidence in the profession appears to be receding, it says.
Report co-author Rebecca Rosen said: 'Medics are becoming confused about what it means to be a "good doctor". They are increasingly frustrated that government reforms that address patient interests – particularly for more convenient care – may jeopardise their ability to practise to the highest clinical standards.'
The report urges doctors to take the lead in negotiating standards of professional practice by entering into a debate with patient representatives. The roles of medics, managers and government in general should also be reviewed.
King's Fund chief executive Niall Dickson said new contracts and out-of-hours arrangements combined with rising public expectations marked a crucial time in the history of the profession.
'Doctors are entering a new era in health care where relationships with patients and colleagues will be different. At the same time, if the profession is to develop, managers must allow doctors to exercise their own judgement over clinical priorities,' he said.
PFnov2004
