A fellow intern of yours is not coping. How will you approach this scenario?

• A. Every day is RU OK day
• B. Be non-judgemental and privately approach and discuss concerns
• C. Approach privately, non-judgmentally, conveying concerns directly to them and also ensuring patient safety is not being impacted
• D. If they're not willing to seek help and patient safety is compromised, tell them you will inform senior staff

Answer: (C)

When a fellow intern is not coping, the guiding approach is to engage them privately and with empathy, addressing concerns directly while prioritizing patient safety. Speak to them in a calm, non-judgmental way, describe specific behaviors or signs you’ve observed, and express genuine concern for their wellbeing. Invite them to talk and listen to what they’re experiencing, offering support and practical resources (peer support, occupational health, counselling) as appropriate. Make clear how their current state could affect patient care and agree on steps to safeguard patients, including escalating to senior staff if necessary. This combination of private, direct conversation and a focus on safety helps the intern feel supported rather than labeled, promotes honesty and early help-seeking, and ensures patient welfare remains the central concern. Other approaches either miss the direct, personal outreach or fail to foreground patient safety, making them less effective in real-world practice.