Doctors in Ireland were today issued with new guidelines on how to support patients they fear may be the victims of abuse.
GPs have also been advised on dealing with an ill person who refuses treatment or draws up a living will to stop medical intervention in the future.
The Medical Council said its new guide enhances the rights and protection of the patient.
President Professor Kieran Murphy said it has been produced in non-technical terms to make it more accessible to patients.
"This was important from the council's point of view because it means members of the public will be able to understand the standards expected of doctors," said Prof Murphy.
"The aim of this guide is to help the patient and the doctor relationship to become more of a partnership which is based on mutual respect and mutual responsibilities."
The Medical Council has, for the first time, told family doctors to take steps to protect any child, vulnerable adult or elderly person who they fear is suffering physical, sexual or mental abuse or neglect. The risk to any other adult or child also in contact with an alleged abuser must be considered.
Giving information to others for the protection of the vulnerable may be a justifiable breach of confidentially, it stated.
Elsewhere more detailed advice on issues such as consent, confidentiality, end of life care, prescribing drugs and referral of patients has also been published in the seventh edition of the guide to ethical conduct and behaviour.
However grey areas still surround a number of controversial subjects such as assisted human reproductive and post mortem and organ retention as health chiefs await new legislation.
Prof Murphy said doctors also acknowledge that patients have more expectations than in the past and that they must be addressed.
He said part of this is putting more focus on the communication skills of undergraduates before they begin the lengthy training to be a doctor to ensure
they will also be able to communicate effectively with their patients.
"The council is very exercised to ensure the relationship between patient and doctor is a partnership," added Prof Murphy.