PrivateDoc editorial standards

Introduction

PrivateDoc has been serving patients for over a decade and recognises a responsibility to provide health information that is accurate, balanced and ethically presented. People use our website to understand medical conditions, treatments and medicines, often as part of preparing for or following a clinical consultation.

Our aim is to support informed decision-making by providing clear, evidence-based information. Content published by PrivateDoc is intended to educate, not to persuade, and does not replace the need for an individual clinical consultation.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for an individual clinical consultation.

For a patient-facing overview of how we create and review medical information on the site, see about our medical content.

Our editorial principles

All health and clinical content published by PrivateDoc follows a consistent set of editorial principles.

Information is written independently and is not paid for or influenced by third-party commercial interests. Content aims to be impartial and factual, presenting information based on clinical evidence rather than promotional intent.

Medical treatments and medicines often involve both benefits and risks, and suitability varies between individuals. Where relevant, our content reflects this balance so that readers can form realistic expectations and discuss options with a healthcare professional.

We aim to avoid unnecessary medical jargon and to explain clinical concepts in clear, plain English. Where medical terms are required, we explain what they mean and why they are relevant.

Evidence and accuracy

Content is based on reputable clinical sources and aims to present both benefits and risks where relevant.

We use peer-reviewed medical literature, recognised clinical guidance and publications from professional and regulatory organisations as sources for our information. Where appropriate, references are cited so readers can identify the source material used.

Information is factually accurate at the time of publication. Where medical evidence is evolving, limited or subject to uncertainty, this is stated clearly rather than presented as definitive fact.

Authorship and review

All clinical and health-related content published on the PrivateDoc website is authored and published by Dr R Karunadasa, Chief Medical Officer. Dr Karunadasa holds responsibility for clinical accuracy and balance at the point of publication.

Each item of content is reviewed prior to publication by Adeel Arshad, Registered Manager and Clinical Lead. This review provides independent clinical and governance oversight, ensuring that information is responsibly presented and aligned with PrivateDoc’s regulatory responsibilities as a UK healthcare provider.

Ongoing review and maintenance

Reviewed at least annually as part of our clinical governance process.

Published content is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains accurate, relevant and aligned with current guidance. Content may be reviewed sooner where new clinical guidance, safety alerts or regulatory changes could affect patient understanding or safety.

Each page displays when it was last reviewed so readers can judge how current the information is.

Corrections and feedback

If an error or potentially misleading statement is identified, we take corrective action promptly. Content may be amended or temporarily unpublished while issues are reviewed and resolved.

Feedback from users is welcomed and supports continuous improvement of clarity, accuracy and quality.

Information purpose and limitations

All information published by PrivateDoc is intended for general educational use only. It does not represent personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

Clinical decisions can only be made following a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who has assessed an individual’s medical history, symptoms and circumstances.

Our wider responsibilities

PrivateDoc operates within a wider clinical governance framework as a regulated UK healthcare provider. Our editorial standards reflect this responsibility, recognising that inaccurate or poorly presented health information could contribute to avoidable harm.

By setting clear expectations for authorship, review, evidence use and ongoing maintenance, we aim to provide health information that is careful, transparent and worthy of trust.