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Fit to participate in sporting activity

The Practices provide the following advice and do not provide certificates for this

Advice:

Signing fitness to participate forms for patients is considered private work and does not come under the remit of our General Medical Services contract held by the NHS.

As a general practitioner (GP), we are often asked to provide certificates or statements confirming a patient’s fitness to undertake specific activities, such as driving, working, or participating in sports. While we may have medical knowledge relevant to these activities, it’s important to understand the medicolegal reasons why we cannot provide such certifications.

  1. Scope of Practice

GPs are generalists and may not have the specialised knowledge required to assess fitness for all activities. For example, a GP may not be qualified to evaluate a patient’s fitness to pilot an aircraft or perform heavy machinery operations. Also, a patient’s health can fluctuate over time, and a fitness assessment made at one point may not be accurate in the future.

  1. Risk Assessment

Medical conditions can worsen unexpectedly, and it’s impossible to predict whether a patient will experience a health event during a specific activity.  Each patient’s response to physical or mental stress can vary greatly, making it difficult to provide a definitive assessment of fitness.

  1. Legal Implications

If a patient were to experience an adverse event while undertaking an activity for which they had been certified as fit, the GP could be held liable for any resulting harm.  Medical professionals are expected to act with caution and avoid making statements that could lead to harm.

  1. Ethical Considerations

Patients should have the ultimate responsibility for making decisions about their own health and activities.  GPs should provide patients with information about the potential risks and benefits of different activities, allowing them to make informed choices.

What GPs Can Provide:

While we cannot certify fitness for specific activities, we can provide a medical summary which the patient may choose to share with the relevant authority or organisation, who can then make their own assessment based on their specific requirements.  If you require a more specialised assessment for a specific activity, it may be necessary to consult with a specialist in the relevant field. For example, a cardiologist may be able to provide a more accurate assessment of a patient’s fitness for strenuous physical activity.

By understanding these medicolegal considerations, we can ensure that our patients receive appropriate medical advice and avoid unnecessary risks.