Exploring Trust and Confidentiality in Medicine

Abstract

This report explores Breaching Trust in Medicine and more specifically Doctor-Patient Confidentiality. We will discuss the parameters of confidentiality in medical practice, including how it is defined and why it is essential for the both the heath of the patient and the public health. We will evaluate how breaches of confidentiality are regulated, looking at particular cases as well as the circumstances where doctors can divulge patient information.

Introduction

Trust is a vital part of the doctor patient relationship. Physician trust has great implications because it is needed for the effective care of a single patient as well as for the general health of the public. Due to the sensitivity of information provided to doctors, confidentiality

According to the GMC, confidentiality allows effective communication in the physician-patient relationship. The disclosure of appropriate information is vital if safe, effective care if to be provided to the patient and the general public. A lack of confidentiality may hinder a patient’s willingness to provide information or even seek medical attention (GMC, 2009.) This is reiterated by Mary Jo Ludwig and Wylie Burkie (2013) who additionally propose that through maintaining confidentiality, the physician shows respect for the patient’s autonomy. The significance of confidentiality in relation to privacy extends to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted in 1964. Article twelve states that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.” Different methodologies have been used to support patient confidentiality and these are explored by Donnie J. Self (2011). Self observes how the constitution of the United States of America dictates the necessity of privacy. He also observes how biblical scriptures such as Proverbs 25:9 and Ecclesiastes 3:7 have been used to further validate confidentiality in

Although medicine is a field that is constantly evolving and we have obtained a vast amount of knowledge since Hippocrates’ era, it is telling to see that confidentiality is consistently valued in the care for patients. Beauchamp and Childress highlight the need for consent to divulge patient information. This shows how confidentiality promotes the autonomy of the patient, thus promoting a patient centered model where the patient holds power in the physician-patient relationship. This is a point that is further stressed by Ludwig and Burkie. The GMC includes the importance of confidentiality in maintaining the trust that both patients and the public have for doctors. This is vital for public heath because a general mistrust for doctors can form a culture where individuals refrain from seeking medical advice. This could potentially increase the prevalence of disease and mortality rates. It is seen that various methodologies indirectly support the concept of confidentiality, implying that its ethical basis is principally inarguable. In the UK patient privacy is enforced by the law and the two aforementioned cases demonstrate the severe consequences that can ensue when health professionals breach confidentiality. In both cases there was an elaborate procedure following the breach which evaluated the situation and decided the punishment. It necessary to have such