SJT: Scenario Types & Response Strategies

Common Scenario Categories

1. Patient Safety Concerns

A colleague makes an error, a process failure is identified, or a patient is at risk. Key principles:

• Patient safety always comes first
• Report concerns through appropriate channels (don’t ignore them)
• Address the issue directly with the person involved first, when safe to do so
• Escalate if the issue is not resolved or is serious
• Document everything

Very appropriate: Reporting the concern to a supervisor, speaking directly with the colleague about the error

Very inappropriate: Ignoring the concern, covering up the error, posting about it on social media

2. Colleague Wellbeing

A colleague is struggling — stressed, unwell, impaired, or behaving unusually. Key principles:

• Show empathy and concern
• Offer support (ask if they’re okay, suggest they speak to someone)
• If their impairment affects patient safety, this must be escalated
• Maintain confidentiality about their personal situation where possible

3. Teamwork Conflicts

Disagreements between team members, hierarchy issues, workload disputes. Key principles:

• Address conflicts directly and professionally
• Focus on the issue, not the person
• Seek to understand the other perspective
• Escalate to a senior if direct resolution fails
• Don’t gossip or take sides publicly

4. Confidentiality Dilemmas

Requests to share patient information, overheard conversations, social media issues. Key principles:

• Patient information is confidential unless sharing is necessary for patient care or required by law
• Never discuss identifiable patient details in public areas
• Never share patient information on social media
• If in doubt about whether to share, seek guidance from a senior

5. Consent and Autonomy

Patients refusing treatment, requests for information, capacity questions. Key principles:

• Competent adults have the right to refuse any treatment
• Ensure the patient has been given adequate information to make their decision
• Don’t pressure patients into decisions
• If concerned about capacity, seek a formal assessment

The ‘Golden Response’ Framework

For most SJT scenarios, the most appropriate responses involve:

1. Acknowledging the situation and showing empathy
2. Taking direct, appropriate action (not avoiding the problem)
3. Communicating with the relevant people
4. Following established procedures and guidelines
5. Prioritising patient safety and wellbeing