Case studies

Dr Kathryn Leask explores fictional scenarios based on member queries where doctors might be tempted to check patients’ online profiles.

Medication on a computer monitor
Monitoring medication bought online

22 April 2024

A GP faced a dilemma with a request to monitor a drug bought from an online pharmacy based overseas.

Doctors writing statement
GMC interview

30 January 2024

An SHO faced a dilemma when the GMC wanted to interview them about a colleague's alleged misconduct.

Communication
The perils of poor communication

30 January 2024

A foundation doctor was asked to clerk a male patient who had been referred to the emergency department by his GP. The GP suspected cauda equina syndrome after the patient complained of severe back pain, numbness in his legs and difficulty passing urine.

Puzzle
Off the record

30 January 2024

It was a foundation doctor's turn to record the consultant’s morning ward-round. After listening to the chest of a patient with acute severe asthma, the consultant noted he could hear a wheeze on both sides and recommended nebulised salbutamol, oxygen and steroids, and a review in two hours.

Speaking up
Time to speak up

30 January 2024

An FY2 doctor had started working on an elderly care ward which was understaffed and she was worried about the conditions.

Accidental disclosure of patient information
Accidental disclosure of patient information

30 January 2024

A GP received a complaint from a patient who'd instructed a solicitor to investigate a possible claim against their employer, following a work related injury.

A right to review a reference image
A right to view a reference?

30 January 2024

A specialty doctor had a job offer at another hospital withdrawn, and spoke to the MDU's advice line to ask if she had a right to see the reference written about her by a colleague.

Close-up of syringe
Botulinum toxin prescription

30 January 2024

Can a GP prescribe botulinum toxin treatments on behalf of a healthcare assistant? One member called the MDU to find out...

shadow
Parental responsibility and disclosure to a solicitor

30 January 2024

A practice manager called the advice line following a request from a solicitor acting for the mother of three children, seeking disclosure of the children’s records.