Reputation Outside the Workplace

"Off duty" behaviour can quickly become public and affect how the profession is seen. Reputational harm often arises from alcohol, aggression, or discriminatory language. ^[2][5][6]

The reasonable observer test

Consider what an ordinary member of the public would think if they saw the behaviour and knew the person worked in eye care. Disorder, threats, or prejudice may undermine confidence in judgement and fairness, even when clinical skills are strong. ^[2][1]

Professional identity in communities

Professional identity often carries into local communities. Reports in local press, social media posts, or club notices can quickly link behaviour back to a practice. ^[5][1]

Early and open handling helps limit harm and shows that standards apply everywhere. ^[4][2]

Risk patterns and protective actions

• Common risks: being drunk in public; aggressive driving; discriminatory remarks; property damage; and posting about reckless behaviour. ^[5][6]
• Protective steps: avoid wearing branded clothing or using practice vehicles when socialising; plan travel to avoid driving after drinking; and step away from heated situations instead of trying to "win" arguments. ^[2][5]

When incidents occur

If an incident happens, leadership should be told quickly. It can help to write a short reflection on triggers and controls, and to seek advice on what must be disclosed. Temporary changes - such as not driving for domiciliary work after a motoring offence - may be agreed until risk reduces. ^[4][1]

Records and proportionate handling

Records should be factual and proportionate:

• outcome documents
• who was informed
• what duties changed
• when reviews will occur

Gossip increases harm; formal processes should manage facts. Clear, consistent handling protects patients and public confidence. ^[3][1]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Standards for Optical Students, General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Using social media as a medical professional, General Medical Council (2024) Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Records Management Code of Practice, NHS England (Records Management Code of Practice) Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Being open and honest when things go wrong (The duty of candour), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Dangers and Benefits of Social Media on E-Professionalism of Health Care Professionals; Tea Vukušić Rukavina, Joško Viskić, Lovela Machala Poplašen, Danko Relić, Marko Marelić, Drazen Jokic, Kristijan Sedak; Journal of Medical Internet Research (2021) Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Characterization of Problematic Alcohol Use Among Physicians: A Systematic Review; Janet Wilson, Peter Tanuseputro, Daniel T Myran, Shan Dhaliwal, Junayd Hussain, Patrick Tang, Salmi Noor, Rhiannon L Roberts, Marco Solmi, Manish M Sood; JAMA Network Open (2022) Find (opens in a new tab)