The Good Medical Practice guidance states that doctors should avoid providing medical care to anyone with whom they share a close personal relationship. It is likely to face difficulties when we treat patients who are also our staff members. For example, the patient may not reveal all the information that is important for the diagnosis of the condition or for the management of the condition.
The reason behind it might be that they may feel embarrassed to share their confidential information with the person with whom they have a working relationship. Likewise, we may also fail to ask sensitive questions or carry out intimate examinations, which ultimately is not in the best interests of the patient. So, if your staff member is your patient, will you ask him/her to consult some other doctor?
