A 27-year-old foundation doctor posts a selfie from the ward on a public social media account, with an unconscious patient visible in the background, ...

Question

A 27-year-old foundation doctor posts a selfie from the ward on a public social media account, with an unconscious patient visible in the background, though not clearly identifiable. The post receives many likes. What is the most appropriate professional response?

Accepted Answer

Advise immediate removal of the post and remind the doctor about maintaining patient confidentiality and professional boundaries online

Answer

No action is required as the patient’s face is not clearly visible

Answer

Encourage the doctor to increase their social media presence to promote the hospital

Answer

Share the post on the trust’s official account

Answer

Only take action if the patient complains

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Social media and confidentiality

A 27-year-old foundation doctor posts a selfie from the ward on a public social media account, with an unconscious patient visible in the background, though not clearly identifiable. The post receives many likes. What is the most appropriate professional response?