Intern on your team is not pulling their weight and you discover they have a gambling problem; who would you tell?

Intern on your team is not pulling their weight and you discover they have a gambling problem; who would you tell?

• A. Escalate to reg/team if intern consistently not pulling their weight and patient care is compromised
• B. One-to-one discussion with intern about your concerns first, checking their mental health and coping mechanisms etc., emphasising patient safety and that you cannot bear the workload alone
• C. When you find out they're gambling, ensure confidentiality between fellow intern and yourself and suggesting other options/offering help like gambling hotlines
• D. Ultimately you can't really tell anyone about the gambling bc its not your problem, but you can inform other people that you are concerned about intern's mental health

Answer: (A)

When a team member’s impairment begins to affect patient care, the priority is patient safety and professional accountability. If an intern is not pulling their weight and you discover a gambling problem, the appropriate action is to escalate the concern to the supervising body or the training/regulatory team. They are equipped to assess the situation, ensure patients are protected, and arrange the right support for the intern—whether that means supervision, workload adjustments, or referral to welfare and treatment resources. Handling this through formal channels also helps maintain a safe, fair environment for the team and preserves trust in the system. A private discussion with the intern or sharing concerns informally with others can be valuable in some contexts, but they do not substitute for a formal review when patient safety is at risk. Keeping concerns within a small circle or assuming “not my problem” can allow danger to persist. Confidentiality is important, but it isn’t a reason to bypass the proper supervisory process that protects patients and provides appropriate support for the trainee. Documentation and following local policies are essential steps in this approach.

When a team member’s impairment begins to affect patient care, the priority is patient safety and professional accountability. If an intern is not pulling their weight and you discover a gambling problem, the appropriate action is to escalate the concern to the supervising body or the training/regulatory team. They are equipped to assess the situation, ensure patients are protected, and arrange the right support for the intern—whether that means supervision, workload adjustments, or referral to welfare and treatment resources. Handling this through formal channels also helps maintain a safe, fair environment for the team and preserves trust in the system.

A private discussion with the intern or sharing concerns informally with others can be valuable in some contexts, but they do not substitute for a formal review when patient safety is at risk. Keeping concerns within a small circle or assuming “not my problem” can allow danger to persist. Confidentiality is important, but it isn’t a reason to bypass the proper supervisory process that protects patients and provides appropriate support for the trainee. Documentation and following local policies are essential steps in this approach.