Pitfalls

Failure to identify that the patient is from a marginalised group
Frustration at a perceived hopeless case or lack of progress
Missing an opportunity to intervene for vulnerable patients
Stigmatising homeless or other vulnerable patients and allowing this to affect their treatment
Focusing only on the presenting complaint as opposed to taking a holistic approach
Arranging follow up the patient is unlikely to attend
Discharging the patient with a plan that they cannot comply with e.g., isolation
Not referring patients to Local Housing Authority despite the statutory obligation to do so
Discharging patients in acute alcohol withdrawal with red flags for, or a history of, complicated alcohol withdrawal