Would you agree in being record during GP telephone appointment?

[zeroinspiration]

I have a telephone appointment with my GP to discuss my mental health, they have asked permission to record the appointment due to training reasons.
Would you give permission? They have said my answer won't affect the care I will receive either way, but I am kinda wondering how it could go differently.

Yep, no different to having students in the room IMO.

I agreed to this but then was essentially asked to keep my answers concise and to co-operate as there was only 12 minutes allowed for the call

Posted too soon sorry. Then during the actual call the GP in training made loads of helpful suggestions that didn't come true in real life afterwards eg I'd get a phone call the next day with a follow up, a medication log etc so she just looked good on the call suggesting it! I'm going to complain.

I wouldn't have minded if it was an appointment for something else. The fact that it's for my mental health it's making me feel hesitant, I guess I don't want it recorded if I end up breaking into tears and sobbing down the line.

From my experience years ago in the back end of a gp surgery, the recording is kept and gone over with only the trainer and trainee gp, and then wiped. It won't be seen by anybody else at all, or kept once the video has been watched by them. What happens in the appointment never goes any further than it ordinarily would.

If you're not comfortable then just say no. The appointment is for your benefit, not theirs.

@WTF475878237NC

Posted too soon sorry. Then during the actual call the GP in training made loads of helpful suggestions that didn't come true in real life afterwards eg I'd get a phone call the next day with a follow up, a medication log etc so she just looked good on the call suggesting it! I'm going to complain.

Yes, that's the thing I am also wondering about! Is Dr gonna be at best behaviour and very helpful because they are being recorded, so I might be better off saying yes

I would give permission, but absolutely don't feel that you have to! It's a favour to them ( helping a trainee) and you don't owe them a favour.

@Pascha

From my experience years ago in the back end of a gp surgery, the recording is kept and gone over with only the trainer and trainee gp, and then wiped. It won't be seen by anybody else at all, or kept once the video has been watched by them. What happens in the appointment never goes any further than it ordinarily would.

That's helpful, thank you.

I wouldn't mind, but a million percent say no if you aren't comfortable :)

It may be being recorded for consideration for entry into an exam called the RCA (recorded consultation assessment). The exam process is an important way of making sure that doctors who complete GP training are good enough (in terms of communication skills as well as knowledge) to practice independently. Amingst other things trainees need to submit a case about mental health. Personally I would agree - it's likely that the only people who will see it are the trainee, their supervisor, and possibly two examiners (who will be experienced GPs, and sworn to confidentiality) - but it's OK to refuse if you're not comfortable with it, and it shouldn't affect your care.

Yes, I would.
Long before Covid GP at the time only wanted to do phone calls, you had to beg and plead for a face to face appointment.
Long story short GP told me to take wrong dose of otc medication. I ended up in hospital due to the mis-dosage. GP at first denied saying what she said, then blamed the receptionist for not giving all my symptoms ( even tho I told her in phone call) Recording would have proved her negligence.

I'd only agree to a recording on the basis that I get a copy too. I'd get this in writing and make clear they cannot use for training purposes if you can't have a copy.

I'm all for helping new medics learn their craft, but given how many broken promises I've experienced from medics, I'd want the recording to work for me as well as them.

It’s essential currently for new GP’s to qualify. If no one consents to being recorded then there will be no new GP’s as they won’t be able to be signed off as competent to consult. So yes, I’d do it.

The message said '...for my training and an upcoming professional examination'. Not sure if that means they still need to qualify or it's for something else.

Truth be told I am not coping with work at the moment. I have become very anxious, and constantly on the verge of panic and tears among other things. I was hoping they might kindly sign me off work for 2 weeks to give me a chance to sort myself out. I just feel so burned out in general.

Now I am stressing that they might not sign me off if they are new. Anyone know the latest guidelines in regards to requests to be signed off work with stress?