Medical ethics Flashcards
List 4 reasons when disclosure of confidential information is justified
- If there is a suspicion that a criminal offense has been committed.
- Disclosure is in the interest of public safety.
- There is serious risk of harm or death to patient/ someone else
- infectious disease reporting
What is meant by “on the balance of probabilities” in terms of disclosure
This means that, before disclosing, you must be able to prove that “on the balance of probabilities” failure to disclose would result in significant risk of harm or death to an innocent third party.
3 reasons that make a matter confidential
- Implied confidentiality- implied from the circumstances of disclosure i.e. doctors appt
- The information is not public knowledge
- Disclosure would be unfair/damaging to patient.
Can information be disclosed to relative or after patient has died
No to both.
What are the Cadicott principles of disclosure?
- Disclosure must be justified
- Minimal use of personal information/ identifiable info.
- Access to info should be on a need to know basis
- Everyone should be aware of their responsibilities - how to handle information correctly.
- Understand and comply with law governing patient information.
- Understand when disclosure of information may be necessary
Emergency situation and patient cannot consent?
Proceed in patient’s best interests, following “implied” consent UNLESS you are aware of a valid refusal based on an AHD.
3 things that make a consent valid?
- Voluntarily given
- Capacity
- Disclosure of all relevant information - informed consent.
Legal age of sexual consent?
17
Consent for medical treatment? what does this include/exclude
- 16
- includes medical, dental , surgical treatment: any procedure necessary to make a diagnosis. Include anaesthesia.
- does not include tissue donation, clinical trials, psychiatric treatment.
Can confidentiality be assured to someone <18
No.
5 reasons when contraceptive/sexual health advice can be given to someone <16
- Mature minor
- Likely to continue sexual activity with or without contraception.
- It is in the girls best interests to get advice.
- Her physical/psychological health will suffer if not.
- Physical/mental health is not impeding on her ability to understand the conversation.
in terms of the reporting threshold to TUSLA, what grounds should be met?
Suspicion of assault, ill-treatment or neglect of a child in any way that is likely to affect the child’s wellbeing - needs to be supported by evidence.
what are the exceptions of disclosure of sexual activity to TUSLA?
If child is aged 15-17 and the party is <2 years older plus:
- no material difference in maturity
-not exploitative, or intimidatory
-child is not disclosing harm.
When is abortion allowed in ireland?
0-12 weeks
MUST HAVE AT LEAST 3 DAYS COOLING OFF
When is an abortion allowed beyond 12 weeks?
- Fatal fetal abnormality
-> 2 doctors, one being an obstetrician must deem it highly likely the foetus will die before birth or within 29 days of birth. - Serious risk to physical and psychological health of mother.
-> fetus has not yet reached viability and termination is likely to avert the risk. - Immediate risk to life of mother.
- termination must be reasonable solution to avert the risk.
