The role of the NHS Constitution in balancing the care equation

In terms of power the patient is always the weaker party in the healthcare equation. The nurse or doctor has a unique specialised professional knowledge and skill set to which the patient needs access. The patient may be feeling unwell, may be fearing the worst about their condition, and is being treated in an unfamiliar environment. The nurse or doctor is in their usual work environment, in control, has the specialist knowledge required, and may be the gatekeeper to future patient care and treatment. There is an imbalance in this relationship that needs to be carefully managed to prevent abuse.

There are many sources of advice for patients, nurses, doctors and the wider NHS on how to manage and balance professional relationships. Information sources include professional codes of ethics and publications from various regulatory bodies or stakeholders, academic commentary, legislation and judicial case law.

As I have commented before in previous columns, it is difficult for busy nurses and doctors to keep up to date with all the information coming out on patient safety from a wide range of national and international sources. The same applies to advice on the professional relationship between nurses, doctors, the wider NHS and patients. There is an urgent need for the NHS to develop a one-stop patient safety information hub that collects, collates and distributes key information across the NHS. At present, we have important publications, codes and practices emanating from a wide variety of sources. These can be hard to track down and can be easily missed. This hub should also include publications and advice on the professional relationship between nurses, doctors and patients, and the wider NHS.