A 34-year-old doctor posts a photo on a public social media account of themselves in theatre with an identifiable patient in the background. The capti...

Question

A 34-year-old doctor posts a photo on a public social media account of themselves in theatre with an identifiable patient in the background. The caption jokes about the case. A colleague raises concerns. According to GMC guidance, what is the most appropriate description of this behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Unprofessional because it breaches patient confidentiality and undermines trust

Answer

Acceptable because it promotes transparency

Answer

Acceptable if the patient gave verbal consent

Answer

Acceptable if the account is personal and not linked to work

Answer

Professional if the doctor later removes the post

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Social media professionalism

A 34-year-old doctor posts a photo on a public social media account of themselves in theatre with an identifiable patient in the background. The caption jokes about the case. A colleague raises concerns. According to GMC guidance, what is the most appropriate description of this behaviour?