Doctors must take account of patient's final wishes

Published on Thursday 26 March 2009 00:27

DOCTORS should place greater emphasis on the wishes of dying patients and their families, according to new draft guidance.

The General Medical Council's advice is aimed at helping professionals make difficult decisions in response to people's needs, while remaining within the law.

Failure to adhere to the guidelines on end-of-life treatment could lead to medics facing disciplinary action by the GMC, which regulates doctors.

According to the GMC, the draft advice is not about euthanasia or assisted suicide, but about taking into account the patient's clinical, emotional and psychological needs in the face of a terminal condition.

The guidance states: "There should always be a strong presumption in favour of prolonging life. However, there is no absolute obligation to prolong life."

Consultation on the document – End of life treatment and care: good practice in decision making – will begin tomorrow and run until 13 July.

The GMC said the final guidance was expected to come into force next spring.