A 30-year-old foundation doctor posts a photo of an interesting skin lesion on a patient to a public social media platform, having removed the patient...

Question

A 30-year-old foundation doctor posts a photo of an interesting skin lesion on a patient to a public social media platform, having removed the patient’s name but without consent. What is the main ethical breach?

Accepted Answer

Breach of confidentiality and failure to obtain valid consent for use of identifiable information

Answer

Defamation of the patient

Answer

The doctor’s own privacy is breached

Answer

There is no breach if the name is removed

Answer

Only a breach of copyright law

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

A 30-year-old foundation doctor posts a photo of an interesting skin lesion on a patient to a public social media platform, having removed the patient’s name but without consent. What is the main ethical breach?