SJT: Common Traps & How to Avoid Them

Trap 1: The ‘Sounds Nice But Does Nothing’ Response

Responses like “empathise with the patient” or “reflect on the situation” sound caring but may not address the actual problem. While empathy is important, it should accompany concrete action, not replace it.

Tip: If a response only involves emotional support with no practical action, it’s usually ‘appropriate but not ideal’ rather than ‘very appropriate’.

Trap 2: The ‘Jump Over Heads’ Response

Going straight to the most senior authority (hospital CEO, medical board) for a relatively minor issue is disproportionate. Most issues should first be addressed at the local level — speak to the person involved, then their supervisor, then escalate only if needed.

Tip: The appropriate level of escalation matches the severity of the issue. Minor issues → direct conversation. Serious issues → supervisor. Dangerous situations → immediate authority.

Trap 3: The ‘It’s Not My Problem’ Response

Responses like “it’s not my responsibility” or “someone else should deal with this” are almost always inappropriate. Healthcare is a team effort, and everyone has a responsibility to act when they see a concern.

Trap 4: The ‘Hero’ Response

Taking drastic, unilateral action (performing a procedure beyond your competence, confronting a patient’s family aggressively, making a complaint without evidence) is inappropriate even if motivated by good intentions. Work within your competence and within the system.

Trap 5: The ‘Passive-Aggressive’ Response

Subtle undermining (making comments behind someone’s back, refusing to help, ‘malicious compliance’) is always inappropriate. Address issues directly and professionally.

Decision Rules for Difficult Scenarios

• When in doubt between ‘very appropriate’ and ‘appropriate but not ideal’, ask: “Is this the FIRST thing a good doctor would do?” If yes → very appropriate. If it’s a reasonable backup → appropriate but not ideal.
• When in doubt between ‘inappropriate but not awful’ and ‘very inappropriate’, ask: “Could this cause direct harm to a patient or seriously breach professional standards?” If yes → very inappropriate. If it’s just unwise → inappropriate but not awful.
• If a response involves dishonesty, covering up an error, or ignoring a patient safety issue, it is almost always ‘very inappropriate’.