Responding to stalking

How can I respond if a patient is stalking me?

If a patient is stalking you, contact your medical defence organisation (MDO) and local police for advice that is specific to your situation.

 General strategies for managing stalking include:^13–15

• reiterating the professional nature of the relationship
• if necessary, outlining the limits of the doctor–patient relationship in more detail; for example, by specifying you do not have contact with patients outside consulting hours
• avoiding suggesting that you are unavailable for a relationship because you have a partner
• carefully documenting each incident, with details of time, date and any witnesses
• retaining all evidence (for example, text or voice messages, gifts, emails or letters)
• discontinuing care of the patient (see next section)
• advising colleagues in the workplace to assist you to preserve your own safety and that of others at the practice
• advising relevant family members to help them to preserve your and their own safety
• contacting police and considering an intervention/restraining order against the patient