Doctors advised on dealing with ‘intrusive’ social media advances by the MDU
The Medical Defence Union (MDU), says that the availability of social media, means doctors are more accessible to patients wanting more than a professional relationship.
Amorous advances made via social media can leave doctors feeling particularly uneasy, the MDU explains, and on rare occasions the situation can even escalate to the doctor being stalked or harassed.
One case to hit the headlines involved a GP who campaigned for an increase in sentencing for stalking offences, after being stalked by a patient for seven years.
Doctors are being advised how to deal with amorous advances from patients in the latest edition of the MDU Journal. Dr Beverley Ward, MDU medico-legal adviser, said:
“The MDU has helped around 100 members over the last five years with advice on how to deal with patients making amorous advances. A handful of these involved the type of stalking behaviour where a doctor may need to involve the police.
“With doctors more accessible than ever via social media, amorous approaches from patients can feel intrusive. If they are not nipped in the bud, or even unwittingly encouraged, things can get out of hand.”
Types of unwanted attention from patients can range from unwanted gifts, messages and friend requests on social media to patients turning up at a doctor’s work or home. Dr Ward continued:
“Some patients create a fantasy affair to which the doctor is completely oblivious. Others can be very distressed if they feel their advances are being ignored or rejected, and they can become aggressive or vindictive. The MDU has seen cases of doctors referred to the GMC by patients alleging a fabricated sexual relationship, or even complaints to the police of sexual assault.
“We can support doctors facing this difficult situation so it’s important to involve us as soon as becoming aware of a potential problem. By warning the patient that this type of behaviour is inappropriate and must stop, it can be possible to get the doctor/patient relationship back on a professional footing. Failing that, you may need to transfer the care of the patient to a colleague or even remove the patient from the practice list.”
The MDU’s advice on dealing with amorous advances from patients includes:
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ensure you inform your line manager of the situation and get support from colleagues and the MDU
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keep a log of all inappropriate contacts from the patient
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if you continue to care for the patient, it is advisable to use a chaperone for all consultations
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accepting gifts from patients can be misconstrued, so consider very carefully whether it may be better to politely refuse a gift
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don't use personal email addresses or mobile numbers for work purposes, withhold your number if you have to use a personal phone to contact a patient
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review your social media privacy settings
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consider involving the police if you feel threatened or in danger.
