A 40-year-old woman attends the emergency department with a sprained ankle. During the consultation, she discloses that she has been drinking heavily ...

Question

A 40-year-old woman attends the emergency department with a sprained ankle. During the consultation, she discloses that she has been drinking heavily and plans to drive home. She refuses to allow you to contact the police or any relative. According to GMC confidentiality guidance, what is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you may need to breach confidentiality and inform the police because of the risk of serious harm to others if she drives

Answer

Respect her wishes completely and take no further action

Answer

Contact her employer to report her behaviour

Answer

Physically restrain her from leaving the department

Answer

Inform the media anonymously to warn the public

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Confidentiality and public interest