MPS launches advice guide for doctors In Ireland on dealing with the media
20 Jan 2011
Doctors are frequently approached by the media for comment and they in turn seek advice from MPS on how best to reply whilst respecting patient confidentiality. Responding to this need for advice, MPS has today launched its Irish Media Handling Guide. The guide has been developed as a tool for all doctors to refer to when dealing with the media.
Whilst developing the guide, MPS surveyed over 450 doctors in Ireland on their experience of dealing with the media and captured a wide range of views from GPs and hospital doctors.
The survey revealed that 15 per cent of hospital consultants and five per cent of GPs had been contacted by the press about a patient. Of those, 50 per cent of GPs and 42 per cent of consultants had been contacted up to five times in the previous five years.
52 per cent of doctors rated media coverage about healthcare professionals as negative or very negative, but an overwhelming majority of 85% of doctors recognised that even when patients complain to the media, they don’t forfeit their right to patient confidentiality.
Dr Susan Jones, Senior Medicolegal Adviser said: “MPS is only too aware of the enormous stress that doctors experience when they fall under the media spotlight and find themselves subject to negative comments. This is compounded by their duty to protect patient confidentiality.
“We have produced this guide in light of the increasing media criticism faced by doctors who are already working in a challenging environment. We also provide professional media advice to our members, many of whom would have had no prior experience in dealing with the press.”
Further information
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact: Stella-Maris Zegge, Press Officer at MPS, on +44 20 7399 1409 or email stella.zegge@mps.org.uk.