Question

During a hospital admission, a patient confides suicidal thoughts to the doctor but refuses to allow disclosure to anyone else. The doctor believes the patient is at high risk of self-harm. According to GMC guidelines, which is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Breach confidentiality if necessary to protect the patient from serious harm

Answer

Respect confidentiality and do nothing

Answer

Inform the family without the patient's consent

Answer

Ignore the risk as the patient has capacity

Answer

Write an anonymous letter to the patient's next of kin

Practice question

During a hospital admission, a patient confides suicidal thoughts to the doctor but refuses to allow disclosure to anyone else. The doctor believes the patient is at high risk of self-harm. According to GMC guidelines, which is the correct action?