The MDU Issues Advice to Doctors on Dealing with 'Amorous' Patients on Social Media
Social media has connected the world in a unprecedented fashion; one simple search can provide an alarming level of detail concerning the lives of just about anyone you may encounter, but with this added connectivity comes a plethora of issues. For doctors, "the availability of social media means [they] are more accessible to patients who want more than a professional relationship", according to the UK's Medical Defence Union (MDU).
The MDU states that unwanted advances made via social media can leave doctors feeling particularly uneasy, and in some cases can progress as far as stalking or harassment. In order to counteract this, the MDU's medico-legal adviser, Dr Beverly Ward, has recently published advice for doctors on how to deal with such situations. She writes that, "If [these advances] are not nipped in the bud, or even unwittingly encouraged, things can get out of hand."
 |
| Dr Eleanor Aston - Img source: ITV |
Dr Aston's case perfectly highlights the need for doctors to show caution when communicating with patients, but even with all the care in the world you can't always predict how other people will behave. To this end, much of the given advice focuses on dealing with an amorous patient once inappropriate conduct has commenced. The MDU states that some patients will create a form of 'fantasy relationship' of which the doctors in unaware. According to Dr Ward, "Some patients can be very distressed if they feel their advances are being ignored or rejected, and their behaviour can become aggressive or vindictive."
This latter point, the MDU says, has led to many cases of doctors referred to the GMC by patients alleging a fabricated sexual relationship, or even complaints to the police of sexual assault; such accusations can be career ending for the doctor in question.
To avoid such scenarios, doctors are advised to do their utmost to maintain professional boundaries with patients, and to tell the patient as such directly if they have reason to believe that a more personal relationship is desired; they must make it clear that such behaviour is inappropriate and must stop.
Failing that, if the professional relationship has broken down to a point whereby it can no longer be recovered, the patient may need to be transferred to the care of a colleague. The reasoning for this decision must be explained clearly to the patient, and all contact should be logged.
Dr Ward's advisory article ends with a few final bullet points on dealing with amorous patients, which are listed below:
- Contact the MDU for advice as soon as you become aware of a potential difficulty with a patient.
- Ensure you inform your line manager of the situation.
- Keep a log of all inappropriate contacts from the patient.
- If you continue to care for the patient, it is advisable to use a chaperone for all consultations.
- Accepting gifts from patients can be misconstrued, so consider very carefully whether it may be better to politely refuse a gift.
- Don't use personal email addresses or mobile numbers for work purposes, review your social media privacy settings, and withhold your number if you have to use a personal phone to contact a patient.
- Consider reporting the patient to the police if you feel threatened or in danger.
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers.
Currently working as Editor of Social Songbird, he hopes to one day drop that
'aspiring' prefix. Follow him @Songbird_Sam
Contact
us on Twitter,
on Facebook, or
leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or
management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
The MDU Issues Advice to Doctors on Dealing with 'Amorous' Patients on Social Media
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, December 07, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, December 07, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.