Under what circumstances would you withhold information from a patient?
In very exceptional circumstances you may feel that sharing information with a patient would cause them serious harm and, if so, it may be appropriate to withhold it. In this context ‘serious harm’ means more than that the patient might become upset, decide to refuse treatment, or choose an alternative.
When can a patient’s information be disclosed?
24. A doctor may disclose information from a patient’s medical record without consent if the doctor reasonably believes the patient may cause imminent and serious harm to themselves, an identifiable individual or group of persons.
Does a patient have to be told their diagnosis?
The bottom line is the patient does have a right to know his or her diagnosis, for two main ethical reasons: 1) it is the patient’s information, not anyone else’s, so the patient is entitled to that information; and 2) there will always be additional decisions to make, even if the diagnosis is terminal, so the patient …
What are the legal principles of informed consent?
Obtaining informed consent is a legal and ethical necessity before treating a patient. It derives from the principle of autonomy; one of the 4 pillars of medical ethics: (Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence and Equality – as described by Beauchamp and Childress1).
Is withholding information considered lying?
It’s the difference between active and passive deception. Withholding information is the suppression of truth rather than the expression of untruth that characterises a lie. Both are designed to deceive, but withholding information makes a secret of the truth – it doesn’t distort it.
What are unethical practices?
Unethical behavior is an action that falls outside of what is considered right or proper for a person, a profession or an industry. Individuals can behave unethically, as can businesses, professionals and politicians. Take a look at different unethical behavior examples that are generally agreed upon as unacceptable.
Can a doctor disclose patient information to the police?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the doctor-patient relationship, but it is not absolute. Disclosing patient information without consent can only be justified in limited circumstances. Even if a request is from the police, your legal and ethical duties of confidentiality still apply.
Do you want to be told all details about a serious illness?
Only 42% of physicians said patients want to be told all details about a serious illness. Fifty-seven per cent said patients want to be told only in general terms and one per cent said patients want no information. There was no relationship between the answer to this question and the physician’s age or country of medical school.
When do doctors underestimate the number of patients?
Physicians and nurses underestimate the number of patients who want detailed information. Patients who earn more than average, have a college education, and who are under age 60 are more likely to want information, and state that their physician should give it to them.
Do you think doctors have a right to tell patients everything?
Nurses also thought that patients have a right to be told everything concerning their illness (99%) and that physicians have an obligation to inform the patient (100%). However, 60% believed that patients only expect general explanations of their problems.
When do patients ask not to be told the truth?
The second circumstance is if the patient him- or herself states an informed preference not to be told the truth. Some patients might ask that the physician instead consult family members, for instance. In these cases, it is critical that the patient give thought to the implications of abdicating their role in decision making.
What makes a person a victim of circumstance?
The circumstances of his death are suspicious. She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident. He was a victim of circumstances.
Which is the best definition of the word circumstance?
Accessed 5 Jun. 2021. 1 : a fact or event that affects a situation Illness is the only circumstance that will excuse your absence. 2 circumstances plural : conditions at a certain time or place Under the circumstances, I think we did well. 3 circumstances plural : the way something happens Please explain the circumstances of the accident.
What to do if patient can’t give consent?
In the case of an emergency, a patient unable to give consent may be treated. Please consult your risk manager for advice regarding other special circumstances, such as handling consent for the minor patient or patient with mental incapacity.