Ethics - Confidentiality

Question 1

What does the duty of confidentiality arise from

Answer 1

Duty arises from therapeutic relationship
Trust 
Information important to make diagnosis 
Recognition of power imbalances 
Autonomy

Question 2

What is the Bolam standard

Answer 2

What would a reasonable doctor do

Question 3

When is confidentiality broken

Answer 3

Consent from patient 
Within health care team 
Public interest 
Court 
Teaching/audits

Question 4

What is the deontological reasons to maintain confidentiality

Answer 4

Deontology = duty/rule bound ethics
Respect for autonomy
Patient in control of their information
Just duty bound to tell the truth, cannot force treatment irrespective of consequences

Question 5

What is the utilitarian reasons to breach confidentiality

Answer 5

Best outcome, least harm

Question 6

What is the utilitarian reason to maintain confidentiality

Answer 6

Increase chance of compliance as therapeutic relationship continues
Decrease risk of others being put at risk if patient stays with you. (No community fall-out)

Question 7

What is utilitarian ethics

Answer 7

Maximise utility/happiness

Reduce suffering

Question 8

Do patients have the right to access their records

Answer 8

Yes but not absolute right

Doctor can withhold if information will cause more harm