A core trainee posts on a public social media account: ‘Can’t believe the mess at work today – 32-year-old teacher with HIV in bed 3 on CDU, still usi...

Question

A core trainee posts on a public social media account: ‘Can’t believe the mess at work today – 32-year-old teacher with HIV in bed 3 on CDU, still using IV drugs, absolute nightmare patient.’ The hospital name is visible on his profile. Which statement best reflects GMC guidance on this behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Unacceptable because potentially identifiable patient information has been disclosed on a public platform

Answer

Acceptable because the patient’s name is not mentioned

Answer

Acceptable if the trainee deletes the post within 24 hours

Answer

Acceptable as long as colleagues also post similar material

Answer

Acceptable if the trainee has obtained verbal consent from the patient earlier

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Professionalism and social media