Medical Confidentiality Principles

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Questions and Answers

What is the main principle behind maintaining confidentiality?

Legal obligation

Duty of care

Standard of care

Loyalty and trust (correct)

When can a breach of patient confidentiality be justified?

When the patient requests it

When it benefits the patient or others

When it is required by law

All of the above (correct)

What is the primary role of a fiduciary?

To act in someone else's best interests (correct)

To follow the standard of care

To maintain confidentiality

To act in their own best interests

What is the definition of duty of care?

A moral or legal obligation to act in the best interest of others Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between duty of care and standard of care?

Duty of care is only relevant when standard of care has been established Signup and view all the answers

According to Cornell Law School's website, what is a fiduciary duty?

The highest standard of care Signup and view all the answers

When can a healthcare professional disclose confidential information without consent?

When required by law or in the public interest Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a fiduciary?

To act in someone else's best interests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the principle of beneficence in medical ethics?

To prioritize the well-being of patients above all else Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept behind the principle of non-maleficence in medical ethics?

To respect the sanctity of life and avoid causing harm to patients Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the principle of autonomy in medical ethics?

To respect the right of patients to make their own decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the need for medical ethics in today's healthcare system?

Rising cost of hospitalization and litigations Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of justice concerned with in medical ethics?

Promoting fairness, peace, and respect for people in healthcare Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the principle of veracity in medical ethics?

To ensure that medical information is truthful and accurate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the principle of confidentiality in medical ethics?

To ensure that medical information is kept private and confidential Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of informed consent in medical ethics?

To ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of procedural justice?

Study and application of the law Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of distributive justice in healthcare?

Fair allocation of resources to individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher discussed the concept of natural law and individual rights?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the principle of veracity?

Full and honest disclosure Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of social justice related to?

Religion, philosophy, and theology Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle of justice in healthcare?

Consistency and transparency in actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of justice concerned with?

Fair treatment of individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is a key ethical issue in medical care?

Distributive justice Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Principle of Confidentiality

Based on loyalty and trust
Personal, medical, and treatment details are maintained confidential
Information disclosure requires full consent, except when clinically and legally required
Disclose only what is necessary to benefit the patient or others

The Principle of Fiduciary

A fiduciary acts in someone else's best interests with "openness, trust, and good faith"
Moral or legal obligation to ensure safety or well-being of others
"Duty of care" is a legal obligation to act in the best interest of individuals
Standard of care is the reasonable action in a situation, differing from duty of care

Need for Medical Ethics

Rising cost of hospitalization and litigations require higher standards of care
Advances in technology raise ethical issues in human experimentation, organ transplantation, and stem cells
Differences in attitude and objectives lead to debates and controversies

Principles in Medical Ethics

Traditional Values:
- Autonomy: right to decide, self-determination, and free will
- Beneficence: actions promoting well-being of others, patient welfare first
- Non-maleficence: "first do no harm," respect for sanctity of life
- Justice: fairness, peace, and genuine respect for people
Related Principles:
- Veracity: truth-telling and honesty
- Confidentially: maintaining personal and medical secrets
- Informed Consent: patients have the right to know and decide
- Fiduciary: acting in the best interest of patients

The Principle of Autonomy

Right to decide, self-determination, and free will
Capacity to think, decide, and take action
Right to information and autonomy over one's own body

The Principle of Beneficence

Actions promoting well-being of others
Patient's welfare remains the first consideration
Care, compassion, competence, and ensuring healthcare is affordable

The Principle of Non-Maleficence

Concept: "first do no harm"
Respect for the sanctity of life
Calculate the risk-benefit ratio

The Principle of Justice

Complex concept based on morality, law, religion, and theology
Fair treatment of individuals and equitable allocation of resources
Concern for fairness, peace, and genuine respect for people

Concept of Justice

Differs in every culture, with various meanings and explanations
Advocates of divine theory, Plato's theory, and John Locke's natural law

Justice as an Ethical Principle

Fair treatment of individuals and equitable allocation of resources
A concept versus a principle
Social, procedural, and distributive justice

Discussions on Justice

Social justice: fairness in religion, philosophy, and theology
Procedural justice: fairness in the study and application of law
Distributive justice: equitable distribution of scarce resources among socio-economic groups

Principle of Veracity

Truth-telling and honesty in communication
Accurate and true information promotes better patient-doctor relationships

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Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of the principles of confidentiality in medical practice, including when breach of confidentiality is justified. Learn about the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and the exceptions that apply.