Ethics - keeping secrets Flashcards
What are problems with confidentiality?
The issue of disclosure of info becomes more complicated when 2 or more people are involved
The duty to tell the truth may conflict with other duties like the responsibility to protect 3rd parties from harm
What is confidentiality?
Respecting one person’s choice or autonomy reagrding who can know about them, may mean that another person must be deceived and can create a complex moral situation
What are the 2 important aspects of confidentiality?
- the patient’s right to privacy
2. the practical necessity for the condition of trust
What is meant by privacy as a professional contract?
Patient’s expect confidentiality even if its not discussed
But patients dont have an absolute right to confidentiality
Why is absolute confidentiality not a thing?
Would be unethical if it meant that you could never prevent foreseen harm
What is meant by the relationship between the health care professional and patient is not protected by legal privilege?
A health care professional can be called upon to breach confidentiality
What are the GDC’s recognised expectations to the duty of confidentiality?
- Disclosure with the patient’s consent - patients must understant what will be disclosed, reason and consequences
- Disclosure within the healthcare team - need to know basis
- Disclosure without consent in the patient’s medical interests - the patient too ill to ask whether info can be disclosed or feel consulting them would harm them
- Disclosure in the interest of others - e.g. someone putting others at risk of HIV
- Disclosure in connection with legal procedings
- Disclosure in accordance with statutory requirements
- disclosure for the purposes of clinical teaching, research or audit - still need consent
How does the professional relationship work?
It relies on trust and confidence between parties
Dental professionals must be able to hold in confidence the information they learn about patients
