Question reference: S5W-23769
- Asked by: Mark McDonald, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Independent
- Date lodged: 13 June 2019
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 21 June 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on all medical practitioners being required to have an understanding of palliative care, and how it is ensuring that undergraduate medical students receive appropriate education on this issue.
Answer
The General Medical Council (GMC) plays the key role in setting and confirming that medical practitioners have an understanding of palliative care.
For undergraduates the GMC does not specify the curriculum, but it has set out new, high-level, ‘Outcomes for Graduates’, which state that ‘Newly qualified doctors must demonstrate that they can make appropriate clinical judgements when considering or providing compassionate interventions or support for patients who are nearing or at the end of life. They must understand the need to involve patients, their relatives, carers or other advocates in management decisions, making referrals and seeking advice from colleagues as appropriate'.
Medical schools have until summer 2020 to make sure their curriculum meets the standards set out in the new Outcomes for Graduates. The Scottish Government and NHS NES are working to support the Medical Schools in this work.
All newly qualified doctors follow the foundation curriculum for their first two years in postgraduate training, which is approved by the GMC. This requires them to have an understanding of palliative care.