Doctors are being warned to consider whether they are revealing too much about themselves online and being put at risk of unwanted romantic approaches and stalking by patients.
The warning comes after the UK’s Medical Defence Union revealed it was supporting around 20 to 30 doctors and nurses each year whose patients have overstepped professional boundaries by acting on their romantic feelings.
Incidents reported by doctors range from patients asking the doctor out for a drink to more persistent behaviour such as sending inappropriate cards and gifts, attempting to embrace the doctor or contacting them via social media, email, text message or messaging app.
In some cases the patient researched the doctor or nurse and sometimes their family and friends using information found online.
Dr Ellie Mein, MDU medico-legal adviser, said:
“Medical professionals can be understandably very distressed by unwanted advances from patients. This is especially the case when contact is made via a personal mobile, email address or social media account as those targeted can feel their privacy has been breached.