So-called 'corridor' consultations present a number of potential ethical dilemmas for doctors which can cause future problems. Dr Maiedha Raza and Solyman Hassouna of Maraz Healthcare discuss when and how they are best avoided.

It can be a common occurrence to pass a patient or relative you have been treating, in a corridor or outside the hospital or clinical environment. I work as a GP in a semi-rural practice, and this can be a common occurrence. Although it is reasonable to say ”hello” if they have approached you first, there are some pitfalls to avoid.

If a patient or relative wants to discuss their care or has clinical questions, discussing this outside a clinical environment can pose a difficult ethical dilemma.

• Can you appropriately record the conversation taking place?
• Is there relevant consent?
• Is there appropriate privacy to discuss such matters?

The answer may well be “no” to all these important questions.

To avoid breaching patient confidentiality and inadvertently discussing private information that can be easily overheard, it is best to try and avoid these encounters, which are often referred to as "corridor consultations”.

It may be, in some circumstances, that the patient or relative has important and relevant information to convey to you. In this case, it would be prudent to listen to them. 

In these instances, it would be appropriate to ask them to make an appointment to discuss this with you via the usual methods. This could include discussing it on the next ward round or making an appointment to speak to you via reception, if working in primary care. Feel free to apologise, if necessary, explain this to the patient and walk away, especially if you are feeling pressured.

This may also apply when perhaps you are seeking help or advice from a colleague for yourself. If you are seeking health advice for your own health, I would recommend you book an appointment with your own GP, rather than seeking a corridor consultation. This would avoid important information being overlooked, due to the fleeting nature of the encounter.

In summary - the corridor consult is a pitfall that can be successfully avoided.

About the author

Dr Maiedha Raza is a GP and communications skills tutor. She has experience teaching and supervising medical students and healthcare professionals delivers a Communications Skills Course for IMGs which is included in Medical Protection membership. Mr Solyman Hassouna is an expert patient and runs the communication skills courses with Dr Raza.